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WEKIT A WOIlAiT LOVES 

A RoFiantic Play in 3 Acts 
By 

J'rederic Walter Norcross 



( The play takes place in Gacamania, during 
the rebellion in v/hich the colonists freed '. 
themselves from British rule. The Gasamanians 
were defeated at the Battle of Garni in, August 
16,1780, and the scenes cire laid in Willington 
Manor, the home of Mistress Nan, on the day 
after the battle. ) 



WI-IEN A V/OJdM LOW.S 



A Romantic; Play in 3 Acts 



By 



Frederic Walter ITorcroGS 



/ 7 3> 




Ci nit 3. 7 0i.2 

SEP 28 taw 






^_CarbJ-!i!a^elpless\undei^)BriHsh\ornina^ ' Tne play \ based :^^n 
a sl'i^ht hthgrical htcide^m^^jiichc^urrea^ few <mj>s after' the batt\ 



CAST. 



Colonel Arley Wilde, 



^ In His Majesty's Service. 



Captain Amos Hawley, 
Sir Toby B^^IlRR^tW^U^ 
Sir Anthony Baxter, 
Lieutenant Jones, 

Lieutenant Faraday, j »^ cw ^-^.-w^vvwcc^ 

George Sanborn, a patriot serving in the (S^hYStUnsR Militia. 

SBRRCias, a patriot spy in the British ranks. 

Sergeant, 

Messenger, 

Toby, ^ 

Ezra, v servants, 

Paul, ) 

Dorothy, Nan's sister, 

Nell, 

Peggy, 

MISTRESS NAN. 



Nan's cousins, 



British soldiery, cavalrymen, negroes, 
patriot soldiery, etc. 

Act I. — The Hall in Willingp^^'Manor, near ^\^mi&n, 

Act IL — The same. {The following evening.) 
Act 111.— Three hours later. 

TIME, 1780. 



[To those unacquainted with the stage let me explain that the letters and figures which appear 
throughout the plays, signify the portion of the stage the actor is to take as he faces the audience; 
R. is right : l., left ; c, center ; c. b., center hack ; R. 1 E., right first entrance : l. 1 e., left 
first entrance, etc.} 



MISTRESS NAN. 1 5 



ACT I. 

SCENE. — A richly furnished colonial hall of the RXUfotMicmaayi 
period. Broad, high casement at c. b. with curtains pushed wide. 
Visible gallery extending across stage above, with stairway leading 
down at r. Broad fireplace with burning logs and high mantel at 
L. L. 1 E., a hallway; table at l. c, ; small cabinet at l. 1 e. contain- 
ing two pistols; curtains before doorway l. 2 e, ; door r. 1 e. 

(Nell aw(i Peggy at open casement, c, gazing off r. Dorothy 
a^L. c. Drum beats in distance off r. b.) 

Nell. They are coming, Dorothy. 

Dor. (indifferently). I hear them. 
- Peg. {clapping hands). Look, Nell — See the long line of 
red-coats as they file from out the wood. La, but I do love 
soldiery. Vy h^£o£u. 

Dor. I like=»©* your British. 

Nell, {over shoulder). Fie, Dot, you are a rebel. 

Peg. {shaking head with comic seriousness at Dor.) Alack; 
were Armand Os^/fljy on the British side, our Dot would shout 
the loudest for the King. 

Dor. {pettishly). And rightly so! My head can't under- 
stand one-half of what 'tis all about. But this I know; King 
George ness fights against iny OspmSky; so why, girls, should I 
love King George? 

{Faint galloping of hoofs off r. b.) 

Peg. {at window, joyously). They are coming, girls. 

Nell, {waving kerchief from, casement). Bravo! 

Dor. (going up and seizing Nell's wrist). Don't, Nell! 
'Tis bad enough that we must^witesise them T^^in the house, 
bee their poor prisoners. 

Nell. A ragged lot, I call them. Some have no shoes, 
much less a uniform. 

Peg. (excitedly). Look, Nell! Look, Dot! 'Tis Colonel 
Wilde who ,,F4§es"across the field! How gallantly he s\*s iris'^i^ ^'^t-e 
kwsWk See, he doffs his hat. 

Nell, (rapturously). Oh, Heavens — what a figure! There! 
He is a man who suits me well, and a gentleman withal — Oh! 
(exclamation from Peggy and Nell). 



1 6 MISTRKSS NAN. 

Dor. {quickly). What now, girls? q 

Dor. {primly coming down c). Then he is not a gentleman. 
His manners are bold. 

Nell, {aside to Peg at window). Dot Tsares afit for tfe©ff>, 
£!^ A^d«o. Just think, Peg, to have a dozen British'^in the house 
at once! 

Peg. {facing Nell anxiously.) Are my ribbons straight? 

Nell. Yes, dear — and mine? 

Peg. Perfect, {galloping louder off r. b.). Alack, ^fsil, 
I know I'll fall in love. I never could resist their uniform. 
{coining down c. and clasping Dor. around waist). Put on a 
cheerful face, dear Dot, for Nan, you know, would have us receive 
them well. 

Dor. {sighing). Why is Nan such a Tory? 

Nell, {at window, waving kerchief). 'Tis all the fashion 
since the defeat of Gates at,6atia|^fi. A fool is he who don't 
shout with the victor. »-^^-a^^ , 

Dor. {with spirit). But Nan acts not that way. Her 
loyalty has been no secret from the first. We have entertained 
the British since they came to Oat-®iiYi».Oc<'^'^^^^-''^^<^ . 

Peg. {at casement). They're here, girls. La, what a show 
they make! {Do's., joins girls at casement. V'eg and ^'E'Lh wave 
kerchiefs. Galloping ceases off r. Noise of men's voices and 
stamping hoofs. Toby enters l. 2 e., crosses stage and exits r. 1 e.) 

{Enter Capt. Hawley, Sir Anthony Baxter, and Lieu- 
tenants Jones and Faraday at r. 1 e. Ladies curtsy as officers 
bow.) 

Capt. H. Sweet mistresses, we crave your hospitality. We 
know of old that that which Willington affords is of the best. 
The virtues and beauty of its charming hostesses are known 
throughout the army. 

Dor. {curtsying). At my sister Nan's command, the hos- 
pitality of WillingtQn is yours. 

Capt. H. And not at your command, sweet mistress? 

Dor. At Willington, my sister's wishes are my own. In her 
name I bid you welcome, {curtsys.) 

Nell, {archly to Sir Anthony). Mistress Nan is not the 
only one who loves the scarlet uniform. 

Sir a. Is''t so? I swear I'll wear the uniform through life 
if you say that ! 

Lt. Jones {who, with Faraday, is pressing Peg with com- 
pliments). Indeed, you have grown prettier! 

Lt. F. {with broad English accent.) Upon my life 'tis true; 
upon my life. 



MISTREJSS NAN. 



17 



La, gentlemen, I'll not believe 



Peg. (in kittenish manner). 
a word you say. 

Capt. H. (to Dor.). Colonel Wilde further begs permission 
to use your stables for our prisoners. 

Sir a. (laughing boisterously). Wilde begs permission. 
Faith — that's good! If I mistake not, Hawley, the prisoners 
are quartered there already. 

Capt. H. (severely). Sir Anthony, your tongue is apt to 
tattle. Pray put a check to it. (to Dor.) Think you that 
Mistress Nan can spare the stables? 

Dor. (resignedly). I dare say, Captain, she would spare 
her house and lands and servants; and walk barefoot, methinks, 
if once convinced that it would serve the King. I dare say, 
also, that Sir Anthony is right about Colonel Wilde. 

Capt. H. He is a rough soldier, Mistress, but a good one. The 
man seems made of iron and for hard service we have no better 
officer in all the army. Wilde has two enemies — the bottle and 
his good "friend," Gowan. To consort- wk4^ either- sead&^xmayn 



Nell. We have heard reports of Colonel Gowan. 

Peg. (with horrified schoolgirl emphasis) . I hear he hangs 
his prisoners. 

Sir a. Faith, that is the least of all his sins. 

Lt. F. (laughing). Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life! 

Dor. He is a cruel, wicked man. I trust we'll never see 
his face at Willington. 

Sir a. Faith, mistress, your trust is doomed to disappoint- 
ment, for Gowan joins us here vnth his detachment. 

Dor. (horrified). What! That monster here? 

Capt. H. (to Sir Anthony). Sir Anthony, again your 
tongue is indiscreet, (to Dor.) Mistress, be not alarmed. 
We march immediately when Gowan comes. Go to your room 



never 



'Tis— geed— a:d::vi- ec, I th inkr 




and you will 
Tt 

'^But here is Colonel Wilde. 

(Enter Colonel Arley Wilde.) 

Wilde, (bowing slightly). Ladies, your servant. 
c.) Hey — where is Mistress Willington? Does she 
ceive us? (to Dor.) Demme, Mistress Dot, you are 
ing. A pretty wench you have become. Keep away from my 
friend Gowan — he has a dangerous way with women, as you'll 
soon find, (endeavors to touch Dor. familiarly under the chin.) 

STRr"-A: FMth~th:e-saTtte— w©f=4s~4wrV^e— SGarFeeH«f^^ 
-4i-psr 



(crosses 
not re- 
improv- 



1 8 . MISTRESS NAN. ^ 

Dor. (shrinking from Wilde). My sister will ^^s4 iortly- at - 
te*i4-ye«-4iei*e. She bade me give you welcome in her name. 

Wilde (coarsely). Welcome? Curse these provincials with 
their airs. My thanks to Mistress Nan for not forbidding us the 
house. I would Gowan were here. He would break her 
haughtiness. Demme, teet Gowan would break anything. 
What devil's work is he at now, I wonder? 

Sir a. Ogling a pretty woman, 'tis like enough. 

Lt. J. Or pilfering an honest rustic. 

Lt. F. Burning a church, upon my life! 

Sir a. Or at his favorite pastime of hanging some poor 
provincial. 

Capt. H. And beastly drunk, at whatever game he plays. 

Dor. (to Capt. H.). I dare say Nan will welcome him for 
all. His uniform will blind her to his sins. 

Wilde, (to Dor.). Demme, 'tis her one redeeming feature. 
Mistress Nan is the hottest of your Tories. 

Sir A. Faith, I believe she would wade through fire for the 
cause. 

Capt. H. Her zeal is known, and makes her much admired 
in the army. I r^ symM . have heard Cornwallis speak of her as 
the most charming belle in all Carolina. 

Wilde. Demme, I put no trust in women. Their weakness 
is a snare to draw men on. Their prejudices govern reason; they 
gossip, gad and live on scandal. Their wills are weak, but as for 
temper — Gods! Their tempers wave and burn beneath a mild 
exterior to burst like twenty magazines all in a moment. 

Capt. H. Your ignorance of women is profound. But for 
the humor of it, the ladies would be shocked at such ungallant 
speech. 

Wilde. But I'll admit that Mistress Nan is loyal. What 
was the story that passed around the mess? Something about 
a lover, was it not? She jilted him when he took arms against 
the King. 

Capt. H. Fie, Wilde! The subject is scarce fit for present 
company. " 

Nell. Nay, we do not mind. The tale is true, and caused 
much gossip. Our family «Ji knew George Sanborn well, and 
Nan, methinks, cared more for him than any other>&i.<:;j^_et 
when he took the rebels' side, his chances went like smoke. 
She would see naught of him from that day on, and swore that 
were he dying at her feet, she would not stoop to give him aid. 

Dor. Yet, Nan owes him much. He saved her life some ten 
years back. 

Sir a. And how came that? 



MISTRKSS NAN. • 19 

Dor. Her little boat upset upon the Wateree. She screamed, 
the water filled her mouth and eyes. 4^here was-arfesTfut~gtrfp-- 
ingin h n r throa^ brtheJ^ois?^(#4wfm4:j 2Lstnrrn.^ wit.b ija.. 'hpr n^ i^ She 
rose and sank^-a ga i a /and was for going down once more when 
suddenly there"" came a shout and plunge. It was George San- 
born leaping from the bridge. He saved her life. 

Nell. Alack — what gentleman could do otherwise ? He was 
there; he could swim. His handsome coat alone suffered from 
the bath. It was no great matter. 

Dor. {to Nell). The matter was great enough for Nan. 

Wilde. And yet, she jilted him?- Curse me, that is a 
woman's gratitude! S-^tcZ^ ^ 

Dor. You mean her loyalty. Asi^zet, methinks my sister 
loves George Sanborn. 

Wilde. What? Mistress Nan of Willington in love with a 
damned rebel? Impossible! &7^.-^ p^t^^^tytaLa-^ 

Dor. Nay; not so impossible as you think. &gtjfeEee-da ^\s - ^ ^^o 



when the news of Camden's battle came, her "joy at the 
British victory was checked all of a sudden. She questioned 
the messenger of ^^hose who fell on the rebel side, and when he 
said their officers'^ w^eriying - thick upon the field, she suddenly 
became morose and went up to her room. I found her there in 
tears, and, (though she did not know I saw<^a miniature of 
George Sanborn was clasped within her hand. *^ 

Wilde. What happened then? 

Dor. On seeing me she became herself all in a moment, and 
sweeping down the stairs, ordered the greatest feast that Willing- 
ton had known for years. • That night we had all the neighbor- 
hood to dine, and my sister, more brilHant and beautiful than 
e'er before, was toasting the British victory. 

Wilde. A strange method of mourning for one's lover. 
{Laughter. The group draw nearer casement laughing and 
chatting. Wilde and Sir A. come down l. by fireplace.) {Aside 
to Sir a.). Curse me, I wonder where fi-XEiiTd Gowan is? 

Sir a. Within an hour's march of the Wateree ere this. 

Wilde. {flushed with wine, to Sir A.). We wagered last 
night across our wine; a devil's wager, too, b ut one in w Jaeh 
tWD=¥ftet'gy-4evik -"weie eit gage4r My Gowan says: "By all the 
Gods I know of, Wilde, there is but one woman in Carolina 
worth the winning." And laughing across my glass I said: 
"Mistress Nan of Willington." "Even so, Mistress Nan," re- 
plied my Gowan; "she has too much of that demmed inconven- 
ient quality the world calls Virtue. What say you if we try 
our arts upon the wench?" "A merry game," I shouted, and 
then as we drank to our success, it was arranged that the man 



20 MISTRESS NAN. 

who won the beauty was to pay the other a crown, to console 
him for his loss. No sooner was the wager made than Go wan 
was called away to do some work beyond the river. Demme 
the man swore lustily, for I stood there and shouted after him, 
"Hola, my Gowan, wiliJVake the crown now or when you ar- 
rive at Willington ? " And he replied: "Win her to-night, friend 
Wilde, for to-morrow when I arrive, I'll use persuasion that 
will bring the beauty to terms within an hour." At which he 
rode away and that in humor which boded ill for rebels whom 
he met. {aloud, impatiently). But, demme, is Mistress 
Nan never coming down? 

{Enter Mistress Nan in gallery above.) 

Dor. My sister is coming now. 

Nan. {on stairway). Welcome, gentlemen, to Willington! 
The day wgM honors us that brings King George's troops to our 
poor homestead! {officers, excepting Wilde, bow loiv.) 

Wilde {surlily). Mistress, we have had to wait some min- 
utes for your welcome. 

Nan. {smiling). I crave 3^our pardon for it. If I delayed, 
'twas but to make myself Tst@¥©.fit to meet this gallant company. 

Wilde. Y©i4iL.spe©€h-4s--geed-r-i--w©uW-yoa#--ac±i©«^^ 
wettj- I have some doubts of welcomes which are long delayed. 

Nan. {with a touch of haughtiness). If Colonel Wilde be- 
lieves he is not welcome, I shall not press him to remain. 

Capt. H. {quickly). Mistress, you are unjust. You will 
not censure us for being angered at your absence? Methinks 
our Colonel's impatience is somewhat of a compliment. 

Nan. {extending hand to Wilde). There, Colonel, I freely 
ask forgiveness. 'Tis well you have a Captain to make such <^ 
gallant interpretation of your speech, {smiles at Capt. H.) 
I admit the compliment was somewhat clouded, and my poor 
head failed to receive it. But there, my error and your flattery 
are clear at last. 

Wilde {aside). Curse it; a bad beginning, {aloud, kiss- 
ing Nan's hand gallantly). Mistress, friend Hawley's speech 
is but too true; for Arley Wilde is patient of no other company 
when the peerless Mistress Nan is near. A smile from her will 
banish the longest campaign. 

Nan. {with animation). Yes, tell me of the campaign! The 
rebels are aii scattered; are they not? Alack, you must be in- 
consolable. 

Wilde. Inconsolable, why so? 

Nan. {surprised). Why so? Because there are none left to 
fight! I would I were a man to wear a sword and meet then-i , 



MISTREISS NAN. 21 

Capt. H. (gallantly). I'll wager they would be conquered 
at sight of you. (Nan smiles.) 

Nan. Were I a soldier, I could wish to battle every day. 

Wilde (laughing). Demme, Mistress, too much war, like 
too much of other things, will grow monotonous. 

Nan. But, oh, it must be grand! The troops — the bright 
red uniforms — the rush of heavy cavalry — the pennants flying 
in the breeze — the music of the bands. Alack, the roar of 
battle must be sweet to soldier ears! 

Capt. H. A bullet hums a lively tune which may end in a 
dirge. 

Nan. (impatiently). Faith, you'll convince me you are no 
soldiers. But for your reputations one would swear you loved 
not your profession. But tell me of the battle which pleared 
Carolina of the rebels. 'Twas a night attack at Camltn; was 
it not? A guinea would I have given to see the rebels run. 

Capt. H. Run they did, and with good reason; our cavalry 
was behind. 

Sir a. Nay — more than that. They were among them, 
like wolves amad a flock of sheep. 

Wilde. And hacking at their heads. Demme, I never saw 
an army scatter so. 

Nan. (anxiously). Think you the rebel power is broken in 
Carelinar? Ccx^^c^ wxc(^.x^c^ <", 

Wilde. I'll swear you cannot find a band within two hundred 
miles. 

Nan. I am glad ! I am glad I The insolents ; they well deserve 
their beating! And to think that some of our best Gaf=e^^ 
liiiar-asd-^Vifgtfiia families side with that crew of rebels! Out ^^^^^ct^ 
upon them all! Now, I'm for King George. My father knew 
the King, and was his friend. Alack, I have no patience with 
those who side against our monarch. 

Capt. H. Fair mistress, we are weH convinced of that. 

Nan. And the prisoners, Colonel? How many rebels do 
you take to Charleston? 

Wilde. Two hundred, mistress; and curse me, a beggarly 
two hundred, too. You'll have to clean your stables after them. 
(Laughter from officers.) 

Nan. They are well guarded? 

Wilde. Five men can guard them now. We have naught 
to fear from an attack, for demme, there are no rebels left. 

Nan. The stables are ^v^eS' enough for rebels. My house and 
its best entertainment I reserve for the King's brave officers. 
We will have a feast anon, in honor of the victory. Gentlemen, 
the best of Willington is yours„ as=w:eii=5t=sitouMztee, I ask but 



22 MISTRESS NAN. 

one favor in return, and that is that there be no drinking in 
this hall. My father died in here and* for five years it has not 
rung with merriment. But see, (goes up pointing off l. 2. e.) 
there is our goo ii iy banquet room which is at your command. 
Toby will serve you there. He'll bring your wine and punch. 
Our cellars are well stocked, and as for punch, I've given orders 
it shall be at your service night and day. You see I know a 
soldier's habits well. Gentlemen, once more I bid you welcome 
to Willington. {Curtsys l. c. Officers applaud.) 

Capt. H. a peerless hostess! 

Lt. j. Egad I never saw another half so thoughtful. 

Lt. F. Upon my life 'tis true, upon my life! 

Sir a. My first health shall be to thee, sweet Mistress Nan! 

Nell, (aside, plucking his sleeve). Fie! You told me the 
very thing a moment since! 

Sir a. (to Nell). I shall fill a double bumper and drink to 
both ! 

Wilde. Mistress, we accept your hospitality until friend 
Go wan comes. With him we march to Charleston with these 
prisoners, (aside) And curse me, much as I love my Gowan, 
the longer he stays this time the more I shall be satisfied. The 
wench is a hard one to approach, (galloping of hoofs off r.) 

Nan. More soldiery? Who is it now? (runs to casement 
and looks r.) 

Sir a. Gowan, I'll wager. 

Capt. H. More likely Sir Tob}^ whom we left beyond the 
river. 

Nan (looking from casement). It is Sir Toby. Alack, he 
comiCS not a moment too soon to escape the storm. See how 
the clouds have banked themselves beyond the hilltops, (stormy 
aspect ivtthout. Nan looking intently r. while leaning on sill of 
casement.) What's that? Na}^ — 'tis impossible ! Yes; a woman 
rides strapped behind a trooper, (turning to Wilde) Alack, 
Colonel, do you make women prisoners? 

Wilde. At times. 

Capt. H. Faith, mistress, 'tis they who generally capture 
us. 

Nan. But not so now; and see, she is old. The ride is rough 
for one like her. (galloping which has grown louder, ceases off 
r. 1 E. Voices.) ^i^.iAZ/1^ 

(Enter Sir Toby fa LL )i4> r. i. e.) 

Sir Toby (bending over Nan's hand). Mistress Nan, I 
salute thee. Your pardon, ladies, (crosses to Wilde at l. c. 
Aside) The work is done^ an d done ^ vdl . That rebel nest is 
gone. 



MISTRESS NAN. 23 

Wilde {aside to Sir Toby). You lost no men? 

Sir T. Not one. They did not fight; they -^te reiy -prayed to 
spare their homes. 

Wilde. And then? 

Sir T. {laughing). Then? Faith I apphed the torch. a;ftdr 
^ottt— th ey came hke lioniets — lio rnetsrlhoweveTv-'tJ^art— ha-ve-ne- 
sting. We left a few burnt logs and heaps of ashes. That 
rebel village will trouble us no more. 

Wilde. Well done. And this prisoner? 

Sir T. Egad, no prisoner. Merely a wretched gypsy we 
picked up on the road, {turning to Nan) Mistress Nan, with 
your permission I'll bring in my prize. Her trade is fortune 
telling. 

Omnes. a gypsy? 

Sir T. Aye — and an old hag at that. Egad, I thought her 
tricks would furnish amusement for the company. 

Peg. La, I do want my fortune told. 

Nell. And I. 

Nan. Pray, bring her in, for this is sport indeed. I shall 
scold you anon. Sir Toby, for her rough treatment. 

Sir T. Troatmea - t ? Egad, mistress, she is a witch and has 
no feeling^ 

^jjfjf . -'^lie is a - w u maii. 
('"'""^T^fr^. — Say rather an e vil s pir it-rthe stake is best~fDr-gttefe> 
^{crosses to r. 1 e.) Ho, there; bring her here! 

{Enter two soldiers in cavalry uniform with George San- 
born between them. Sanborn attired in female gypsy costume of 
bright, but worn colors. Hood or turban covers head, ears and face 
almost down to eyebrows. Walks with back bowed and face down 
holding flaps of hood so as to almost entirely conceal face. As- 
sumes cracked voice of an old woman. Soldiers roughly thrust gyp- 
sy on at R. c. Roar of laughter from officers and clapping of 
hands from Peg and Nell.) 

Wilde. Ho, ho! A pretty object, truly! (Sanborn stag- 
gers slightly, feigning exhaustion.) 

Sir a. The hag is weak. 

Sir T. {shaking gypsy's shoulder). Curse you, stand up. 
We would have a lesson in deviltry. 

Sanborn {drawing away). You need no lesson from me in 
that, {laughter from officers.) ^(^''^'^Ci^ 

Capt. H. She touched you that time, Fiiiip. ' Upon my 
soul, the wench has wit. 

Dor. Poor woman! Pray, take a seat. 

Sir T. {interfering). No — H£k, the hag will stand before 
her betters. 



24 MISTRESS NAN. 

Wilde. I would Gowan were here. He'd make some merry 
sport with her. 

Sir T. Is 't sport you want? There's nothing easier. Dance 
hag, or by my soul, your wrinkled hide shall feel the sword 
point, {draws sword and pricks gypsy in folds of dress. San- 
born draws away.) 

Dor. (grasping Sir Toby's sword blade). No — no, 'tis cruel. 

Sir T. (trying to disengage blade). Away, mistress, or you 
will cut those pretty fingers. (Wilde laughs l. c. Sir Anthony 
has drawn sword at l. c, when Nan comes down c.) 

Nan. Enough. We do not like your sport, Sir Toby. It 
scar Fec - be fito a ge n tlem a n-. (Sir Toby and Sir A. laugh and 
sheathe swords. To gypsy). Do you tell fortunes, my good 
woman? 

San. (looking intently at Nan). To those who will believe, 
sweet mistress. 

Wilde. Then you will tell none here, for none believe your 
cursed prattle. 

Peg. I do believe in her. I long to know my fate. 

Nell. And I. 

Nan. (to Peggy). Come, Cous, put out your hand. 

Sir T. And money. 

Peg. La, I've not a coin about me. 

Sir A. Allow me, then, (gives coin to gypsy). Come, 
wench, her palm is crossed with silver. 

San. (bending over Peggy's palm). I see a home of splendor 
and a loving husband. 

Wilde (ironically). Demme, they all see that! 

Peg. (eagerly). Is he a soldier, gypsy? Alack, I'll marry 
none other than a soldier. 

San. He is a soldier. Mistress Peg. ^^ ^r^^ 

Wilde (suspiciously). Mistress Peg? How loiow jfftt. the 
girl's name, hag? 

San. (looking at Wilde and lifting hand). The stars know 
everything, good sir. 

Wilde. Fool, your stars are invisible now. I — 

Peg. (impatiently). Do keep him quiet ! 

Nan. Hush Colonel, your speech breaks in on Peggy's fu- 
ture. 

Peg. (anxiously). His uniform is red, is't not? I will not 
have him otherwise. 

San. His uniform is blue, good mistress. He hates the red 
as he abhors his country's enemies. 

Nan. Shucks, Peg, I would have none of him. Your pre- 
dictions are at fault, good witch. 



MISTRESS NAN. 25 

San. {to Nan). Only to those who love sSt their country, 
Mistress. 

Nell. 'Tis my turn now. {pushes Peggy aside). Here is- 
your coin. Read well, good gypsy, and you shall not want for 
more. 

San. {studying Nell's palm). I see a doubtful future. Be- 
ware, mistress, of the flattery of men. 

Nell. Alack, I like it. 

San. It is your all-prevailing weakness. No good can come 
of such, and much harm may. 

Nell. What further do you see ? 

San. I see no more. 

Sir T. Egad, she is a weary prophetess. H er o nt o rt ainnieirt 

Nan. {to Dorothy). Come, Dot, 'tis your turn now. 

Dor. No, I'll not believe in witches' tales. 

San. {to Nan). Then your's, sweet mistress? 

Nan. {surprised). Mine? Alack, gypsy, I know it without 
your aid! 

Omnes. Let's hear — let's hear! 

Nan. {with touch of melancholy). My fate? It will be this!' 
Mistress Nan, as she is known to you, will live and die at Willing- 
ton, remaining Mistress Nan throughout. A man shall never 
feel caress of hers. She loves her country. King, and r^xjs— o -f 
ancestors. This is all to her; 'tis faith, tradition, religion, 
one might say. is=iS^, tier heart is sealed with loyalty. This 
is her fate as well I know. Her life may not be happy, but 
'twill be a loyal one. 

San. {who has been stvidying Nan's face attentively). Mistress, 
your prophecy is false. A better fate awaits a face so perfect: 
a heart so pure. Your hand, sweet mistress; I beg to see your 
hand. 

Sir a. {to Wilde). Faith, the witch is moved. I thought 
she grew taller as she spoke. 

Nan. {with tinge of melancholy). You cannot alter Fate, 
poor gypsy, {gives hand to Sanborn, who eagerly examines it.) 

San. Who knows? Who knows? I see a different future, 
yet one that all these people may not hear. Mistress, sweet 
mistress, I beg an audience alone, {presses Nan's hand to his 
lips.) 

Nan., {smiling and removing her hand). What? Leave my 
company to hear an idle tale? Not so. 

San. Mistress, I beg — 'tis an old woman's whim, and yet — 
{aside to Nan) I can read here of one you think much of. His 
life is in great peril. 



26 



MISTRKSS NAN. 




Nan. {startled). Eh? {laughing to cover her confusion and 
turning to Wilde). The silly witch would tell my fortune to no 
other ears than mine. Alack, it must be disagreeable. Come, 
Colonel, 'tis your turn now. 

Officers. Yes, Wilde; let's hear your fortune. 

Wilde. Demme, a soldier's fate is easily foretold. Too 
often his destiny lies in a bullet. But tell me what the stars say 
of friend Gowan? Hast heard of Gowan, hag? 

San. {vehemently). Gowan! That dog,., 4ba4 eur who blots 
the face of our fair land with ruin ! Th-a^-b east who stop s-rrot- 
-at-fti^serttT-mtt rder or at rape. Aye, I know Gowan, and so does 
all^fi^rrofea-in its curses. His end will be no good one. 

Wilde {seizing gypsy by throat). Hag! Curb your cursed 
tongue when speaking of my Gowan! {officers release gypsy). 
I know his faults: I know his virtues. A braver man ne'er 
lived, nor better officer. War is stern, and Gowan is stern and 
cruel as war itself. He is a soldier, every inch of him. 

Capt. H. {aside to Nan). Our Colonel's manners never 
were too mild. He will not hear a word against his friend. 

Sir T. Come Wilde, we all know Gowan, and curse me but 
the gypsy's portrait fits him well. He is no saint as all well 
know, {to San.). Come, hag, a guinea for my fortune. 

San. {fiercely dashing money to floor). Your fortune? / 
read in yours the fortune of your cursed cause. Ruin and death 
await both, and that most speedily. (Toby enters l. 2 e. and 
speaks to Nan aside.) 

Wilde {furiously). Arrest the woman! 

Nan. {connng down c). Nay, wait Colonel. 

Wilde. I wait for nothing. Sergeant. 
{Enter Sergeant r. 1 e. and salutes.) 

Nan. {haughtily). Well ^en, have your will. Your re- 
freshment awaits you in the.room,witfaia. 
without delay. 

Capt. H. {to Wilde). Wait, Wilde! {to Nan). Mistress 
the gypsy has offended and deserves arrest. Why would you 
have her spared? 

Nan. {innocently) . Alack, think you a woman is not curious ? 
I long to hear the fortune she predicts for me. However, the 
Colonel wishes her arrest, and what the Colonel v/ishes must be 
done, {curtsying to Wihn^). Your pardon for my interference. 

Wilde {irresolutely). Not so, not so. I did but wish to 
give the wench a lesson. 

Sir T. 'Tis ungallant, Wilde, to interrupt Mistress Nan's 
fair fortune. 

Lt. F. Upon my life 'tis true, upon my life. 



Let us adjettt^p-te-it 



MISTRESS NAN. 27 

Capt. H. (aside to Wilde). Let her remain here while we ^cCt~ 
^east-witfeiitT She cannot get away. 

Wilde (aside). Good, (to Nan) Mistress, Arley Wilde - 

leave you here ,-^fch«ftT; hag; but curb your tongue when Gowan '^ 



comes. He is a less gentle man than I and would hang you in 
trice. Come, tli 

Nan. Yes, yes 



a trice. Come, then; to the table! ^^ 

Nan. Yes, yes. ^ 

San. (aside to Nan). You will return.-af^ d hea r me ? 



Nan. (to Sanborn). Yes, although I like not your pre- 
dictions, (to Wilde as he offers his arm). I thank you Colonel, 
fef-ymt- F - f a vo f: (taking Wilde's arm and turning to company). 
Come, gentlemien! 

(Exit ladies and officers l. 2 e., Wilde and Nan leading; 
Nell folloiving^ zvith Sir T. and Sir A. Capt. H. with Dor.) 

I, J- J (to P_E i:uyy^ — Wilt take both-el-4a^r^Ks4res5-Peg^ 

T T. J Nny, thnt rn ulr l nnt hp. for wp^n j ^ > 'i i 1 i 1 Hul ii rm uw-m^ r^ 
shirt 

L t. E - ; — ( laughing). — Upon m3r life , 'tig true, tr pt)!! my life! 
(Each take Peogy's arm and exit laughing l. 2 e. ). 

quick music. 

San. (approaches l. 2 e. stealthily. In natural voice). The 
British hound. Your day of reckoning will come, and so will 
Gowan's. And now to escape, if such a thing is possible. 
(quickly steals into hall L. 1 E. Re-enters stealthily.) No pas- 
sage there, (goes up c. opens casement cautiously ; looks through 
and closes it.) Nor there, (exit r. 1 e. stealthily and re-enters). 
Nor there, (straightens up to full height and throws back hood, 
revealing head and face) A wicked trap, George Sanborn! It 
has a noose that fits your neck. (looks toward l. 2 e. whence 
comes sound of laughter). They'll search me when that-fe aot i^ ^K.^ ^^ 
eyoc. (draws two pistols from beneath folds of dress and lays them <r ""^-^ 
on the table, l. c. Takes papers from dress). These despatches 
must not be found. Let's think — let's think. Shall I destroy 
them? (looks fiercely towards l.) The British dogs shall not 
know of friend Marion. Fll read the things and then — the 
fire, (looks toivard fireplace l., quickly tears open and reads 
despatches. Laughter and tinkling of glasses off l. 2 b.) I know 
them, and now — (crosses to fireplace and holds papers irresolutely 
above flames). Pshaw — I may escape. I'll save them till the 
moment of discovery has come, (suddenly). Am I not dis- 
covered now? What did that soldier whisper outside the door? 
(looks R. 1 e.) "A dangerous game, George Sanborn" — yes, 
that was it. That man knew me. I trembledi?hieath my dis- 



28 MISTRESS NAN. 

guise, but was the next moment cast in here, (sound of merri- 
ment from, L. 2 E. Fiercely). The cursed Britons! (pushes 
back folds of dress from arms to grasp pistols in hands.) That 
banquet hall has several outlets, as I well-feE©w. A dash for 
liberty will throw that merry crowd in some confusion and may 
result in an escape. The chance is poor enough, but still re- 
mains a chance, (about to rush off l. 2 e. pistols in hand.) 

Nan. (off L. 2 E.) Depend upon it, I'll not stay long. 

San. (suddenly checked by Nan's voice, allows hands to drop 
helplessly). 'Tis she! (pause, slowly). Faith, I wonder if Nan 
will see me die. (recovers and quickly conceals papers and pistols 
beneath dress, assuming bent position.) 
(Nan enters l. 2 e.) 

Wilde (off l. 2 e.). Mistress, your absence takes the flavor 
from our feast. See, the wine no longer sparkles, and demme, 
the cookery has lost its taste. 

STOP MUSIC. 

Nan (at l. 2 e. to those outside). My sister and cousins will 
do the honors in my absence. I'll not remain from such guests, 
I promise you. feli=weH. (curtsys and comes down c. as San. 
falls on knees before her). Gypsy, I warn you not to keep me 
long. My friends will grow impatient. 

San. (assuming gypsy's voice, and kissing Nan's hand). 
The sweetest hand in all CdrefeiaiU^Sf^^^:;^-^-^ Cu^t^-t <^ ■ 

Nan. (aside, laughing). A strange fortune teller, truly, 
(aloud). The palm has not as yet been crossed with silver. 

San. I need no coin to read the future here. I read the 
woman's nature, strong and wilful; yet doubly gentle and sweet 
to those she loves. I read her past and future. I see a lover. 

Nan. (smiling). What gypsy fails to see a lover? Come, I 
would test your prophecy. Describe the man. 

San. He is a man well known to you in years gone by. A 
man who loves you heart and soul; who at this moment would 
give his hand to save, you from the slightest pain ; who would give 
his life and willingly, if the sacrifice would serve the woman 
his heart is set upon. A man who as a youth once risked his 
life to save your own. A man who now risks more than life — 
risks your displeasure — to save his country from its English foe. 
This man is your lover. 

Nan. (standing with hand to heart. Aside). George San- 
born, (to gypsy). My good gypsy, I know of no such man /) 

San. (impressively). YGU-kftow^^aim-not-? "^-s-^^ o^^' vk?^ ^,^^1^r■^u 

Nan, (shaking head and smiling). Alack, I ne-ver heard of 
such. He sounds like one we read of in tfe£n3Korid=B^ books. 
Perhaps you found him there? 



MISTRESS NAN. 29 

San. {gazing intently at Nan). You do not know George 

Sanborn f _ '}%-ut 

Nan. {with pretence at 'meditation'). Sanborn? Let^ see; 
methinks I've heard that name? Yes, I remember now. He 
joined the rebels, did he not? I knew him years ago. 

San. {aside). Her indifference is too strongly put to be 
sincere, {aloud). Sweet mistress, handsome lips may be un- 
truthful. The gypsy reads the heart your words belie. I see 
you weeping for him in your chamber. ^ 

Nan. {with spirit). I! Weeping for himrtn?-^my chamb:©!^? 
Old woman, you are a fool. Faith I would basne liked to^see him 
run at Camfien! 

San. You know him better, Mistress, {impressively) Perhaps 
he was cut down. 

Nan. {indifferently). Perhaps he was — who knows? 

San. {angrily). Who cares? you mean! Proud beauty, do 
not cloak your feelings with your words. 

Nan. {mischievously). Ah, but I do care. You know, in my 
chamber I weep for him. 

San. Woman, proud, cruel, beautiful, I have no patience 
with your wit. But there, you have no heart. 

Nan. {smiling). And yet, good gypsy; you read my nature 
but a moment since as strong, but sweet and gentle to those I 
love. 

San. You do not love George Sanborn? 

Nan. {proudly). Love? I, a Willington, love him who 
fights against his king and country? {proudly). My father 
knew King George. 

San. Against his King for his country, Nan — sweet Mistress, 
I mean. 

Nan. There is no such distinction. The King comes first, 
and so I told George Sanborn five years back when he wished to 
court the rebel cause and Nan Willington at once, {with ironical 
feeling). George Sanborn love me? I know 'tis false; for when 
man truly loves, he'd give his heart, his soul, his chance of 
Heaven for the woman of his dreams. And what did I require of 
him? His allegiance to his King. I foresaw this defeat which 
must attend a cause so reckless and disloyal. His answer was 
"My country first, although it breaks my heart" — His heart! 
He had no heart, for if he had, it would have held him fast to 
me. His country before me; did'st ever hear a man in love 
rave so? Out upon thee, witch, the wretch but won my favor 
to abuse it. He never loved me. {turns away and brushes 
eyes with kerchief). 

San. {tenderly). Nan, Nan, did you love him so! 



30 MISTRESS NAN. 

Nan {recovering herself). No — no — I never loved him. 
What have you betrayed me into, gypsy? There, I am quite 
calm now. {with determination). Believe me when I say I 
hate George Sanborn. 

San. {with arms extended imploringly). No — a©, do not say 
that ! 

Nan. {fiercely). Aye — and hate him the more since once I 
might have loved him. 

San. {drawing away from her with a pained expression). Ah, 
well, it matters little. George Sanborn's time has come. 

Nan. {quickly). What^mean ycra, gypsy? 

San. {taking Nan's hand and pointing off l. 2 e.). Listen! 
Go to their feast and drink a silent toast to him. He loved you 
well in life; he loves you now. Go, drink a toast to him. 

Nan {alarmed). You speak in riddles. 

San. George Sanborn is about to die. {laughter and ap- 
plause off L. 2 E.) 

Nan. {quickly). How know you that? Is George Sanborn 
sick, wounded? Where is he? 

San. {after going quickly to l. 2 e. and looking off). Could 
you pass those sentries? {points r.) 

Nan. Aye, with a word from Colonel Wilde. 

San. Then get it. Quick, your cloak! I'll take you to 
George Sanborn. 

Nan. {sits at table l. c. meditating; then). What you propose 
is foolish. I cannot leave my guests. 

San. Then George Sanborn dies! i 

Nan. What proof have I of that? 

San. My word. 

Nan. It will not do. 

San. His ring, then? 

Nan. {quickly). You have his ring? 

San. (draws ring from finger). It is Here, {gives ring to 
Nan, ivho exam-ines it and passes it on her own finger.) 

Nan. {laughing suddenly). Gypsy, I see it now — it is a plot. 
He would have me meet him. He wants to plead before me on 
his knees. He wants me to forgive the man who fights against 
his King. His cause defeated in our colony, he wants my 
sympathy — perhaps my aid. {fiercely). Do they hunt him 
like a dog? Well, he chose his cause; he must abide by its 
rewards. Alack, dost think I'd shield him? No, no, my sym- 
pathy is dead. Were he here now and they all after him, I 
would point him out and say "there is your man !" 

San. {sitting in chair r. c. with downhent head). George 
Sanborn asks naught of thee, Nan Willington! 



MISTRESS NAN. 3 1 

Nan. {at c. regarding him attentively; then suddenly with 
changed manner; gaily). Come, gypsy, confess it is a ruse ! Con- 
fess he is alive and well ! Confess he bribed you to come to me 
with this sad tale. Come, come, let me see your face! {grasps 
gypsy's shoulder). Confess — confess! {starts back suddenly; 
aside). Alack! Now this is strange, {aloud, crosses and jails 
on knees, pressing close to San as he sits r. c.) Let's see your 
face-;— let ^ ooo - your lactr! {as San slowly lifts his head, she 
pushes away hood with both hands). George Sanborn! (Nan 
starts to feet looking toward l. 2 e.) George Sanborn! Hush! 
{Enter Capt. Hawley l. 2 e.) 

(Nan presses back against Sanborn screening him from view. 
Sanborn quickly replaces head-covering.) 

Capt. H. Mistress, we chafe at your delay. Your guests 
are waiting at, the table, -aad=4h3t with much impatience. Me- 
thinks the gypsy keeps you long. 

Nan {trifle agitated). Yes — yes — that is — . I pray yoa, 
Captain Hawley, convey excuses to my guests. I will be there 
anon. 

Capt. H. {aside). Is there some plotting here? {aloud). 
Mistress, I much mistrust that gypsy. She has related some 
weird tale ^ as I can see both by your face and manner. I'll 
have her tinS^ guard, {crosses toward r. 1 e. At same time 
Sanborn with hand under folds of cloak crosses l. behind Nan 
towards fireplace.) 

Nan. {quite collected, stopping Capt. H. with gesture). One • 
moment, Captain Hawley. 

Capt. H. {facing her). Well? 

Nan. Captain Hawley, I've given favors to yourself and 
brother officers. I've entertained you more than once. May I 
crave a favor in return. '^ 

Capt. H. {hesitating). Mistress ,^\ will be my pleasure to con- 
fer it ; if pleasure does not conflict with duty. 

Nan. {deliberately). You"ft^ot arrest this woman! 

Capt. H. {aside, annoyed). Now this I do not like. 

Nan. {stepping forward quickly). You doubt my loyalty? 

Capt. H. {bowing). That I cannot doubt, and yet — 

Nan. You are suspicious of this woman? 

Capt. H. In truth, I am. 

Nan. You saw my agitation. You think I am -m plottl-^v^ 
against the King? ^ 

Capt. H. Nay, mistress, I cannot think that. 

Nan. {vehemently). You do — I see you do! Your doubts 
arise with the first suspicion. W ^l ',-- w -ell-7--s43:C-h.-i^-tli£-jD£w-a:J^d--ei. 
3rpnrs v>f ]^y?\V^ Well, Captain Hawley, the witch has brought 



32 MISTRESS NAN. 

tne news; bad. news for me, though good for you and yours. 
You've heard the story of that man I knew, and — thought well 
■of. The one who joined the rebels. ? 

Capt. H. {aside). I could, have sworn it! {aloud). Mis- 
tress, I have heard some gossip of the sort. 

Nan. {deliberately). That man, Captain Hawley, is — {pause; 
Sanborn draws away from- Nan, putting hand under robe for 
pistol) dead. You entered as I heard the news. You under- 
stand my agitation now. {sloivly). I cared for him in days 
gone by. {stands at c. ivith down-bent head.) 

Capt H. You'll give your word that this was all the gypsy's 
news ? 

Nan. {head still bent low, slowly). Yes. {stage grows darker.) 

Capt. H. {sincerely). Mistress. I crave your pardon for 
■suspicion so unworthy. Your sorrow does you credit. A man's 
a man, whate'er his uniform, and doubly gallant must he be 
whosadeath will draw a tear from Mistress Nan. I'llJoack to 
the feasiVith your excuse, {goes ttp to l. 2 e., bows in door- 
way) Mistress, {thunder ivithout as Capt. H. exits l. 2 e.) (Nan 
goes quickly up to l. 2 e., looks off; and conies down l. c.) 

Nan, {fiercely to Sanborn). I lied for you! 

San. {piishing back hood and standing with one hand on mantel 
■above his head). I did not ask it. 

Nan, {with indecision). You'll pass the sentries? Nay, 
■George Sanborn, you shall not escape. I will alarm the guard. 

San. {examining priming of pistols at table l. c). There is no 
■escape for me. Your British friends are all around the house. 
When they come in — I die. 

Nan, {looks at him with indecision, then paces stage at c. with 
hands locked behind her. Flickering lightning without casement). 
There is a way — there is a way! {suddenly) Remember, George 
Sanborn; I do not save your life for love of you. Some ten 
years back you rescued me from ©at the river. To-night I'll 
save your life and wipe away that hateful debt. You under- 
stand ! 

San, {springing up quickly). You will do this? Good! 
But how to escape? 

Nan. There is a way. Toby will know. We must have 
Toby's aid, {goes up l. 2 e, concealing herself behind curtain and 
■beckons off L. speaking softly) Toby — Toby! {aside). He will 
not look this way! {calling). Toby! {aside). Alack, we 
are losing time. I dare not go in there — they would detain me. 
{beckoning). Toby — T©fey! Out on the man — why won't he 
look! Toby! {joyfully) Ah — he sees! {beckons energetically), This 
way, this way! (Sanborn replaces head covering.) 



MISTRESS NAN. 33 

(Enter Toby, l. 2 e. Nan draws him away from doorway.) 

Nan. Toby, I need you here. Are they well served? {point- 
ing L.) 

Toby. As well as they can be. Mis' Nan. I recollec' they 
only wants a sight ob you. 

Nan. They must wait — they must wait, {lightning with- 
out). Here Toby — look here, (draivs him towards Sanborn at 
R. c; Nan pushes back Sanborn's headcovering.) 

Toby. Massa Sanborn! (starts back in astonishment as 
crash of thunder rolls away without). Massa Sanborn by all 
that's — 

Nan. Hush, Toby! You understand — he is in danger here. 
We must get him past the sentries. 

Toby (excitedly). But, how Mis' Nan — but how? Dar be 
not many sentries, but enuf. 

Nan. (pointing off i.. 1. e.). How many are there? 

Toby. Two, Mis' Nan. 

Nan. (pointing r. 1. e.) And there? 

Toby. Two, Mis' Nan. 

Nan. (pointing up c). And at the casement? 

Toby. One. Bar's no escape Mis' Nan; dar's no escape. 

San. He is right. 

Nan. (with exclamation of impatience). Alack, I have no 
patience with you men! Why this resignation? Do you want 
to die, George Sanborn? 'Tis weak;:d±is cowardly, to give up 
life and liberty without a fight. You are free as yet; are you* 
armc<?^ii^eagi?^ Here are my father's pistols, (crosses l and 
takes pistols from cabinet. Burst of merriment and pounding on 
table L. 2 E.) 

San. I am well armed. (Nan puts back pistols in cabinet 
thoughtfully. Room dark but for glow of burning logs at l. and 
light from banquet room L. 2 e. Lightning and long roll of thun- 
der. To Toby). You say there is but one> wit h oti -t the case- 
ment? (points c.) ^y^A^ f-^^-^^tic^Ma.^ 

Toby (trembling). Yes, Massa Gawrge. 

Nan. (watching Sanborn intently). Yes — yes — ? 

San. (after deliberating). 'Tis no use. C)ne shot would 
draw the others in a moment, (thunder). My cause is lost, 
(to Nan) you love me not. Well, what remains, but death? 

Nan. Fool! You shall not die, but another must! 

Toby, (trembling at a vivid flash of lightning). Who then, 
Mis' Nan? 

Nan. . (standing at c, figure outlined by flash, pointing up c). 
That sentry, (crash of thunder and light patter of rain without). 

San. But how "b© kill the man without a noise? 



34 MISTRESS NAN. 

Nan. Your knife, man — your knife! Slip through the 
casement unseen by him. The rain begins ; he may take shelter 
in a corner of the wall. Creep close upon the man, and then — 
{pauses with significance.) ^^i ^l 

San. (with determination). I will tia?. {pushes hack folds 
of dress, leaving arms free to elbow. Draws knife and runs quickly 
to casement, Nan at l. and Toby r., watching intently. Sanborn 
opens casement cautiously and springs up with knee on sill.) 

OsPRE Y {sharply challenging from without) . Who goes ? 

San. {pushing casement shut and facing Nan). That chance 
is gone. What now? 

Nan. Hush! Let me think — let me think — {lightning flashes 
ivithout as she paces room, pressing knuckles into cheeks). There 
is yet another way — there must be — where are your brains? 
Think — think. But one man stands between you and your 
liberty. A woman might dispose of him. {suddenly) I have 
it— a woman shall! 

San. What now? 

Nan. Come close. (San on l. and Toby r. of Nan at c.) 
Tliat sentry dieo but die he muui wiLliuul a L; ou n d. 

r? 



Nan. -^I'H call him to the casement. I'll find the pretext, and 
you — =a«;d=^E©»^ — must hover close behind. But be not seen, 
or else our plot is vain. When he comes up to speak, his neck 
will reach the level of the casement. Toby, your arms are 
strong; you'll seize him then. Squeeze with your might 
upon his throat, and you, George Sanborn, use your knife. 

San. Good, it can be done! 

Toby. Mis' Nan, he'll neber need no knife if I onct ketch 
dat throat. 

Nan. Come, we lose time. Bend low that he will not see. 
{Vivid glare of lightning as Nan approaches casement cautiously. 
Toby following l. and Sanborn with hand under cloak, r. Sud- 
denly three sharp taps are heard at casement glass. Pause. Long 
roll of thunder. Taps repeated ivhile thunder is echoing.) 

Nan. {looking at Sanborn; thentoToBY , pointing at casement). 
Open! (Toby shivers with fear, hesitates; then goes up and 
cautiously draws hack glass shutter. As window opens, a light 
hundle of twigs with note attached is thrown through casement, 
landing at feet of Nan and San. at c. Flash of lightning lights 
up tahleau as they hend over it in surprise. ) 

Nan. What is it? (Sanborn seizes bundle, detaches paper 
and comes down to fireplace at l.) 

San. a note! {kneels before blaze to read. Nan stands 
with one hand on Sanborn's shoulder; Toby next to Nan at l. c. 



MISTRESS NAN. '' 35 

Q^ ^REY --2';i British regimentals passes without casement with gun 
on shoulder. Comes to halt with hack to ivindow). What's this? 

Nan. Read — read! 

San. (reads). "Leap from the casement and gain the 
wood. The sentry is a friend who will not see. A mile to the 
north stands a little hut. There you will find a Continental uni- 
form. 'Tis better to run the risk in it than in the gypsy guise. 
The country swarms with enemies." 

(Enter Sir Anthony, intoxicated, at l. 2 e. Stands unsteadily 
at c with hands in pockets, facing group at fireplace.) 

Toby (plucking Nan's sleeve, and pointing to Sir A.). Mis' 
Nannie. 

Sir a. (in thick voice). Mishtriss Nan — why don't you 
come in and — and — Hellow, what the dev'ls thish? — I — Oh — 
say! (Toby has glided behind seizing Sir A. hy throat. San- 
born draws knife hut Nan catches his wrist.) 

Nan. Not the knife ! — Put him there, (points to closet, r. 2 e. 
beneath stairway. Sir A. struggles feebly. San and Toby carry 
him off R. 2 E. Re-enter and lock door. Sir A. calls feebly; 
beats upon door.) (Pointing to casement). Your ring is here, 
George Sanborn. The way is clear.— Begone! 

San. You will not keep the ring? 

Nan. (angrily). I? Keep a rebel's ring ? ^ Th js is my 
answer! (tosses ring through casement). l-^hatc -^ W-tl^ hiii^ . Be- 
gone (beig?g=j~ iaay rcp ^St-ef-tfay=3eseape±==^tmiZ£jGaga^ . 

San. 'Tis well, (pulls hood over head and leaps on casement, 
looking off right and left keenly. Nan faces him as vivid flash of 
lightning outlines Sanborn's weird gypsy figure in casement 
frame. In terrific crash of thunder which follows, Sanborn leaps 
into darkness and disappears. Figure of Osprey seen with hack 
to window in flickering lightning. Nan runs to casement, gazing off 
right, as sheets of rain descend. Sound of merriment off l. 2 e., 
and feeble battering against door by Sir A. a/ r. 2 e. Toby 
leans against door, looking at Nan with scared face.) 

CURTAIN. 



36 MISTRESS NAN. 



ACT II. 



SCENE. — Same as in Act I: Curtains drawn before casement c. b. ; 
lighted candles on tall mantel above fireplace; Capt. H. smok- 
ing long-stemmed pipe thoughtfully before fire at l. ; other 
pipes on mantel; Sir Toby, Sir Anthony and Lts. Jones 
and Faraday play at dice on table l. c. ; pile of money on 
table; Toby standing near l. 2 e. ; ©s^'rsy with gun on 
shoulder paces visible gallery above.) O^^TlAf 

Sir T. {rattling dice box above head). Double or quits? 

Sir a. Take it. (Sir T. throws; Sir A. follows suit.) 

Lt. J. Sir Toby wins. 

Lt. F. Upon my life 'tis true, upon my life! 

Sir T. Mine it is. {draws money towards him.) How now, 
Sir Anthony? Shall we throw again? 

Sir a. . Faith no — that is my last, {points to money which 
Sir T. is pocketing.) My pockets are ill made for guineas. 

Sir T. Come, then, we will join the parson with a pipe. 
{points to Capt. H.) (Sir A. rises and takes pipe from mantel; 
lights it from taper which Toby holds; sits facing fire. To Lt. J.) 
Do you stay in the game ? 

Lt. J. Aye — I want revenge. 

Sir T. WpllH4i'^n, g'^ '^^ hirk tn b oth — i^ qn'-'h - a th irg -f >- ^:>*aa^ 
sible -. {crosses l. taking pipe from mantel. Waves aside taper 
which Toby offers and lights pipe fro'yn candle himself. Stands 
smoking with one hand against mantel above his head, facing Capt. 
H. and Sir A. Lieutenants continue to dice at table.) Well, 
Hawley, still thinking odrour myster^^ 

Capt. H. Still thinking, Eilllg t^and as far from a conclusion 
as when we found Sir Anthony asleep within the closet. 

Sir. T. Egad, I've got at one conclusion. 

Capt. H. And that? 

Sir T. Is that Sir Anthony was drunk. 

Sir a. {lightly). Faith, I was unconscious of it. 

Capt. H. Aye — that we will not gainsay. 

Sir T. {to Sir A.). But, egad, man, do you remember 
nothing of what occurred Tswtfein this hall? 



MISTRESS NAN. 37 

Sir A. {helplessly). Nothing? Faith, I remember less than 
nothing. I saw Nell's pretty eyes, andlifaieath their charm, was 
drinking heavily. Then came sleep, and next I know was when 
you shook me into stupid consciousness. You say you found 
me in the closet. Now, curse me, how did I get there? 

Sir T. {laughing). You walked there in your sleep and 
locked the door. _^ 

Capt. H. With^key on the outside. 

Lt. J. You could not do that sober, Sir Anthony {laughter). 

Lt. F. Upon my life 'tis true — upon my life! 

Sir. a. The laugh is yours. I am as innocent of the whole 
as any babe unborn. Faith, I must take your word that all 
this happened. 

Sir T. But man; you remember leaving us at the table? 
You came in here, and then, some minutes later, back came 
Mistress Nan saying she had left you with the fortune teller. 

Capt. H. Upon which we forgot of your existence for some 
hours. 

Sir T. Until it occured to me you must be making love to 
the old gypsy. 

Capt. H. Which was not impossible for Sir Anthony. 
{laughter). 

Lt. ^ — (^i'om tabU) -. — E ai - th, Hawlcy, t hat -- is good . 

Sir T. So, fearing consequences, we made a search, but 
could find neither. Egad, I swore she bs;^made off with you^ 
■■ yrrHrh- Hrfe up the chimney. 

Lt. J. When I heard a long drawn snore, and there we found 
you in the closet. 

Capt. H. And the gypsy — gone. 

Sir T. Which is the part that puzzles. 'Twas not sur- 
prising to find you locked W5tfein a closet — or in a guard house 
either — but curse me if I see how the gypsy left the house with 
sentries all around it. 

Sir a. {ivho has regarded each in bewildered manner). Gentle- 
men, I mtay be guilty of all this ; but confound me if I am aware of 
it. Let's see: {looks thoughtfully at burning logs). Yes, I re- 
member now, the gypsy was standing there, {all look at Sir A. 
attentively, including Lieutenants J. and F). But no — 'twas 
not the gypsy. Confound my stupid head. Then she glared 
into my face, and something caught me by the throat. — Yes, 
by Jove, it caught me tight; my neck aches yet. — And then — 
and — then — No, I cannot think it out. No doubt I went to 
sleep. cP;^ 

Sir T. {nodding head ivisely). '^was the gypsy who caught 
you by the throat. 



38 MISTRESS NAN. 

Sir A, (indignantly). What! An old woman? Faith, I'm 
not a weakhng in my cups. And she put me in that closet? 
(pointing R. 2 E.) 

Sir. T. It could be done. What think you, Hawley? 

Capt. H. She needed help. For me, I suspect the negroes. 
(Toby at l. 2 e. rtibs hand thoughtfully over chin.) 

Lt. J. (rattling and throwing dice). And so say I. 

Capt. H. Wilde throws the blame on Mistress Nan. (to 
Sir a.) Think, Baxter; was she "wtibkin the hall when you came 
in? 

Sir a. (helplessly). Faith, I cannot tell. There may have 
been a regiment for aught I know. 

Sir T. (laughing). Egad, but Wilde was wild indeed. He 
would hear naught but that the woman was a spy, and accused 
Mistress Nan of letting her escape. Then, when our Mistress 
answered with her usual spirit, Wilde siartrta^^ap?; bade her keep 
her room and placed a sentry there, (points to Osprey pacing 
gallery above.) 

Capt. H. A pretty way to treat one's hostess. 

Lt. J. (rattling dice). Aye — I'll not suspect sweet Mistress 
Nan. We know her loyalty too well. 

Lt. F. (throwing dice). Upon my life 'tis true, upon my 
life. 

Sir a. And how he made us ride this morning. Faith I be- 
lieve the country round for fifty miles is on the hunt for gypsies. 

Sir T. A pretty chase, for all. Wilde himself has scarce left 
saddle since day dawned. Mad enough he'll be to have missed 
the wines at Willington. 

Ltt^Jt— -(^a«*f^*w§).,---.Ayer-4he--m«^ that-wiil 

tekerW il dti fi o m 4tis-470t1fer--i-w«edeg-w4iereiig'-5em^es now: 

Sir A. (stretching languidly). And all about a gypsy wench. 
Faith, I say let her go. 

Capt. H. (severely). Young man, your Colonel is a soldier. 
He allows no chance either for or against his cause to pass. If 
the gypsy is a spy, she must be caught. 

Sir a. But wherefore should she be a spy? Sir Toby picked 
her up upon the road and brought her here against her will. 
A nd wh at H' Ulli'iied ijlie of mueli import? And to wh o m. - wiH ' the 

R eformation tako ? JlbAtreJ^-i aQ. rrhrl nranyin rflrnlina ; tJa prp ' s 

•ftot -a ' bdi i' id u f fif l y" ' Wi ttrrTr200 liiife:?: Wherefore opy when - there- 
i-s-ma gain iu t om e ly y i t'-^ 

GA'jg n r . ' H -; — (:4mimm'm>tsly^. — t^ ve kiiuvvn [j u mc pGef>4 e— te--spy- 
fo j; . no-be tfcer - y - ea - g e-Rr- 

■Sf^-A: — Biit thl^'"6ne'Tisfeed.-4i©*i4i^ 

Capt. H. She should be caught if only to explain how she 



MISTRESS NAN. 39 

escaped. There was treachery here last night, and you were 
drunk and in the midst of it. 

Sir T. Egad, Baxter, 'tis well the Lord protects -sM drunken 
men and fools ; else would you have a knife stuck in your ribs. 

Lt. J. And where is Gowan all this time? 

Capt. H. That is also strange; for Gowan should have been ^ 
here twelve hours ago. It looks as though we would hsg&r-^Zyti^*^ 
another night. 

Sir a. Faith nothing suits me better. Mistress Nan's wines 
are plentiful and all a man can ask for. {galloping of hoofs off r.) 

Sir T. Ah ! There comes Wilde now. 

Capt. H. (putting down pipe and rising and standing ivith 
back to fireplace). Or Gowan. {galloping louder). 

Sir a. {still smoking and walking up c). We will soon find 
out. (Lts. J. and F. stop dice playing. Galloping ceases r.) 

Sir T. {crosses r.). I'll wager 'tis Wilde. Yes, here is the 
man himself. 

{E)iter Colonel Wilde, his uniform splashed with mud from 
hard riding). What news of the witch. Colonel? 

Wilde. None. Is Gowan here? {to Capt. H.) 

Capt. H. Not yet. 

Wilde. Strange, infernal strange^*Wh at can delay the man? 
{pa^s stage at.c.) Now, curse the^^^i^nd curse these roads 
of C ^o^i^^ ^ {endeavors to brush mud from uniform) A pretty 
chase I've had; :-a ,ud thai through mud enough to drown both 
man and horse. Sergeant! {enter Sergeant r. ] e. and salutes) 
Place that table there, {points for table to be placed at c.) And 
Sergeant; remove your men from the hall above. (Sergeant 
sigijs to OsPVUSkY ivho descends stairway at r and exits r. 1 e. Soldiers 
enter r. 1 e. and place table at c. Sergeant remains r. 1 e. To 
Toby) ^^^-^^ digger, bring a bottle. Your best Madeira — 
quick, (exit Toby, l. 2 e., and re-enter later with bottle and glass 
which he places on table at c. and exits l. 2 e. Wilde sits at table 
c. fills glass and drinks). What the devil can keep Gowan? 

Capt. H. Perhaps our friend is taken with a lady whom he 
bides to court? 

Wilde (drinking). 'Tis like enough. Demme, the man 
cannot resist a petticoat. However, he should be here. Those 
prisoners must shortly be in Charleston. 

Sir T. And the gypsy — do you give her up? 

Wilde. Give her up? Not I! I've roused the country 
round for twenty miles. She is in hiding now. But once she 
shows her head, our friends will ]h«3,ev s©=±iiiig=ter run her down. 
In the meantime, I'll begin the search where we left off last night 
— in Willington. (slaps table). 



40 MISTRESS NAN. ♦ 

Capt. H. You still suspect our hostess? 

Wilde (drinking). Curse me, I suspect them all. If she's 
not in the plot, her servants are. The gypsy had no wings to 
pass the sentries. No — I have an idea, which may bring -^-el^wH 
Sergeant! Bring that nigger Toby here. 

(Two soldiers appear with fixed bayonets l. 1 e. Four enter 
R. 1 E. ; two remain r. 1 e. ; two cross stage behind Sergeant exit l. 2 
E. and re-enter with Toby. Soldiers remain at doors zvith arms pre- 
sented. Sergeant salutes and remains c. back. Wilde at table 
c. ; Lts. Jones and Faraday on r. and l. near his chair. Sir A. 
and Sir T., r. ; Capt. H. at l. with back to fireplace). {Roughly 
to Toby). Nigger, stand there! {points l. c). Be careful of 
your speech or be prepared to curse the day when you were 
bci"n. Do you know that I'm a man to keep my word? 

Toby. Cunnell, I well knows dat. 

Wilde {fiercely). Enough — you prate too much. Do-yott- 
k-no w -wh^rt-44'4s"t-o— be-suspenjle.d- Jay—th^-^^ ^ 

D0~y^UT4«i-qw~th,at_i.n--this--GU4:sed-fe-s^r-4;sj-h€¥e-^ 
t-hat---dx!gT"^f~steves~aTe-4i€M--as-''n:3ttght-? — 'Dtr-ye«-know'-1±rat 
tef4t«Fe-~h«;9-irot yyL g^o«^-eut-? — Wett-then; be c' st fefaj—ef- y-our* 
tong-ue.— . What did youTm this hall last night ? 

Toby {ruminatively) . Las' night? At what time Cunnell? 

Wilde. When we were at the table. 

Toby {rubbing his ear). Jes so; jes so. Well, Cunnell, dar 
war a deal; fact sah, I scarcely knows jes whar to start. 

Wilde {sternly). Start at the beginning, fool. What 
made you leave the room where we were banqu o ting ^ o tC^^^-T^<=. . 

Toby {slowly). Jes so, jes so. {suddenly) 'Twar Mis' Nan, 
Cunnell. 

Wilde {triumphantly). Demme, I thought as much. 

Toby. She beckoned me frum de doorway. 

Wilde. Good! What did she say? 

Toby {carefully). She seemed quite anxious, sah. {hesitates). 

Wilde. Go on, go on. 

Toby {very slowly). And arsks me, Cunnell — 

Wilde {leaning forward with impatience as Toby hesitates 
once more). Yes! 

Toby. Arsks me if de off'cers hab dere fill of wine. (Wilde 
sits back with disgusted expression.) 

Wilde. To which you replied — 

Toby. To which I replied, " I don't tink so. Mis ' Nan ; I nebber 
saw an off'cer yet who had." {laughter from officers.) ••. 

Wilde {impatiently). What eei-d-she theft^<iv^^/<^'-«-'»^<=^ ^^^^^ 

Toby. Den, Cunnell? Why den Mis' Nan looked ober at 
Mars Baxter, who was standin' there, and smiled. — 



MISTRESS NAN. 4 1 

Wilde {interrupting suddenly). Hold! I think you lie. 
{to Sir Anthony) Were you not at the table when this fellow- 
left the room? 

Sir a. Faith, I might have been under it for all I remember. 

Wilde. Blockhead! {to Sir T.) Sir Toby; you must re- 
membef? 

Sir T. Egad, I was not attending at the moment. 

Wilde {to Lts.) But you noticed, Lieutenants? 

Lt. J. Faith, between our cups and Mistress Peg we never 
gave Sir Anthony a thought. 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis true, upon my life. 

Wilde {angrily to Capt. H.). Hawley, you must remember 
whether this nigger left the room before Sir Anthony? 

Capt. H. Not L 

Wilde {madly). Hawley, you were drunk. You all were 
. drunk. Curse me, for such a pack of drunken fools. 

Capt. H. {slily to Wilde). But Colonel Wilde remembers — ■ 
his head was clear? {all look at Wilde expectantly.) 

Wilde. I would not ask if I remembered, {all look at one 
another in exasperating manner; then at Wilde and shake their 
heads knowingly.) 

Capt. H. {murmuring) . Just so, just so. 

Wii:&Er-~-{€mgr4rly) . Well , do you-tttrrk-L-iitcve-narttght-'else -to— 
4©-than^watch this M-aek'-sk«Mied--seouTidTet?~ 
_C A pt . H . {m unnuHng—a-s- all-shak-a—^h-eir— heads — knewtngfy 

-■■©*2£^-iiifl^e^-r---J-US^--S€)7-jtlFt~SD^ 

Wilde {to Toby). Demme, I must take your word, seeing 
that they — {officers all crane their necks toward him at which he 
hesitates) — that we were drunk. Sir Anthony was in the room 
with the gypsy and Mistress Nan. What was the gypsy doing? 

Toby {ruminatively). De gypsy, sah? I tink dat gypsy 
was tellin' Mars Baxter's fortune. 

Sir a. {eagerly). Now confound me if I remember that. 
What did she say? 

Wilde {sternly to Sir Anthony). Enough! Yoiir drunk- 
enness has got us in a pretty scrape, {to Toby) What hap- 
pened then? 

Toby. Den sah? Why den Mis' Nan sends me in de cellar 
for Madeira. 

Wilde {leaning forward intently). Ah; you went into the 
cellar, did you? 

Toby {looking at Wilde). Yes, sah. < ^t^ 

Wilde {intently). Exactly so! What did yout^n the cellar? 

Toby {surprised). In de cellar, sah? Why I opened the 
Madeira. 



42 MISTRESS NAN. 

Wilde {rising sternly). Hold! You opened something" 
else ! There is a trap door in that cellar. 

Toby {genuinely astonished) . No, sah. 

Wilde {fiercely). I say there is! A trap door giving" 
entrance to a tunnel. That tunnel leads beneath the garden, 
coming up beyond our line of sentries. 

Toby {astounded). Befo' Heben, sah; I nebber heard of it. 

Wilde {sternly). You led the gypsy through that tunnel. 
Be careful, dog, how you deny it. 

Toby {solemnly raising hand). Gunnel, may de Lord take 
my breff if I eber ■sfirw^-da%-4 unn e l ..^.t5vA;^ ^'^ X^ . 

Wilde. 'Tis not the Lord you must accbunt to, but to me, 
{aside to Capt. H.) You searched the cellar well? 

Capt. H. From end to end. We sounded every bit of wall 
and floor without success. 

Wilde {puzzled). Curse it, I may be wrong! Yet, if that 
tunnel fails, what way is left for her escape? She could not 
fly from the roof , nor pass the sentries. Ha — Sergeant! {Ser- 
geant comes down r. c. and salutes). Are all your men trustworthy? 

Ser. I think so, Colonel. .^?^M^--&^i^ 

Wilde. Who was on guard w-ttheut the casement? {points 

Ser. 9sg^.(3'-^«^'^'^ - 

WiLDE.^'TS^^ff- I do not know the name. 

Ser. He enlisted two days ago. 

Wilde. The devil! Is it so? 

Ser. The man is a violent Tory, Colonel. 

Wilde. You mean, he seems to be? 

Ser. No, it is more than that. He hates the rebels. evei? 
niore-t-han urs?. It was with much ado I could prevent him abus- 
ing the prisoners on the march. 

Wilde. What did he do? (Wilde drinks and this disturbs 
his attention.) 

Ser. He was for beating those who were too weak to walk. 

Wilde. Is't so? He should enlist with i«iy friend Gowan. 
If the man's a Tory, I well believe his hatred, {signs Sergeant 
to retire. Sergeant salutes and goes up c.) Egad, gentlemen, 
only to-day I came upon the body of a rebel lying across the 
entrance to a house. "Who shot the man," I asked, at which 
the owner boldly said, the fellow was a rebel and deserved no 
more. When asked if he attacked the house, the Tory said that 
such was not the case. The man had asked for bread, and 
demme if the householder didn't put a bullet into him; and 
seemed quite proud, forsooth, of having sent a rebel out the 
world . TheTTrVTTO~lm^^riTyst'i:7e'feween"-these-fE^ 



MISTRESS NAN. 43 

Sergeant, remove that fellow {pointing to Toby) and tell the ladies 
I would see them, {exit Toby off l. 2 e.) 

Capt. H. {to Wilde). Methinks an officer had best attend 
the ladies with your message. 

Wilde {laughing at Capt. H.). Now, demme, this fellow 
is a formal one. Sir Toby, tell the ladies I would have them --c c>h^ /^/ 
-a*t^id-iTre-be¥€, (Sir T. ascends stairs at r.) Not Mistress Nan 
— -I will examine her alone. (Sir T. crosses gallery and exits l.) 

Capt. H. Faith, Wilde, you don't suspect the girls? They 
were with us at the table. 

Wilde {sharply) I know my business, Hawley. When I 
ask for advice, you may give it. Ah, they are here. 

{Enter Sir T. l. of gallery, crosses to head of staircase, and 
hows, allowing Dorothy, Peg and Nell, to precede him. Girls 
dressed in bright, quaint costumes; skirts short to show trim foot and 
ankle.) 

Dor. {in gallery; aside to Nell and Peg). I vow I saw him, 
girls. 

Nell. Shucks, Dot !^p You used to dream about the man, 
but now you see your Gtojjrey in^our waking hours. 

Dor. indeed, 'tis 'so. Ke walked beneath my window all 
last night. ]But what was odd, he wore a British uniform; and 
when I''b^e3me lattice and called to him, he said "Who goes?" 
in sucl^ an awful voice that I quicki^ closed the shutters in 
affright. 

Nell {as they reach heg-d of stairs at r.). Alack, you must 
have dreamed it. (Dor, shakes her head rebelliously.) 

Peg. {timidly to Dor. and Nell at head of stairs). La! 
Look at all those bayonets, girls! Are you afraid? 

Nell. Not I. 

Dor. I would Nan were here! 

Peg. We will keep close and make as bold a front as possible. 
{they come down stairway with arms abovit each others' waists. 
Officers gaze at them with admiration. Girls stand at r. c. They 
glance timidly at Colonel Wilde, who looks upon them impress-- 
ively. ) 

Nell, {archly). You think us rebels, Colonel Wilde? 

Wilde {gallantly) . If to be fair is false, I'll swear you 
all are false. 

Peg. {aside to Dor). Now, that was pretty. Dot; I half 
expected something worse. 

Dor. Hush, Peg. Al l. men oan -ifetterr He has a pur- 
pose behind that speech. 

Peg. Save us, what can it be? 

Dor. Listen {all look at Wilde). 



44 MISTRESS NAN. 

Wilde. Young ladies, you are detained but for a moment. 
I dare say you are well acquainted with this house? 

Peg. La, sir — we ought to be. We've lived in it since our 
birth, and that was eighteen — 

Nell, {interrupting). Hush, Peg, you must not tell our age. 

Peg. {with hand to lips in comic dismay). Oh, La — 
how stupid! 

Wilde {smiling). A charming age, indeed. 

Peg. {aside to others). Dot, you were right. There was ' 
a purpose in his speech. 

Wilde {with feigned- carelessness). I dare say that years 
ago you romped merrily through the passage 'neath the garden? 

Nell, {with puzzled expression). Beneath the garden? 

Peg. La — I never heard of it. 

Wilde {to Dor). And you, Mistress Dorothy? 

Dor. {coldly). I never knew of it. Perhaps my sister can 
give the information you desire. 

Wilde {knowingly). Aye — perhaps she can. 

Capt. H. {aside to Wilde). Beyond a doubt there is no such 
passage, else they would know of it. 

Sir a. {mischievously). Colonel, I have a charge against 
Mistress Nell. Last night she left the supper room just before 
the gypsy disappeared. Faith, 'tis the last thing I remember. 

Wilde {sharply). How's this? 

Nell. Nay, Colonel, I left with Sir Toby Fillip and was not 
near this room. 

Sir T. {laughing on stairs). Aye — Lll vouch that Mistress 
Nell was in no plotting here. 
-Wrrwer—^ie-Ndl)^-- Wlmt-di^_4LQlL-mth.-Sir-^t^fe5^? 

N e ll. — {hhtskrrrgiimdrrmtji^'&ed)-, — N^^ — t-wil-l-^io^-^eitr . 

Wilde {with assumed severity). Sir Toby, what did you^c/ 
with Mistress Nell? 

Nell, {turning quickly on 5ir T.) Nay, do not tell, if you 
ever wish to see my face again. 

Wilde. This investigation must go on. Where did you go, 
Sir Toby? 

Sir T. {laughing). Egad, to an alcove in the West Hall, 
my Colonel; a curtained alcove, just large enough to hold a pair 
of lovers with a little squeezing. A famous place for secrets and 
soft speeches. 

Wilde {with assumed severity). This looks like plotting. 
Mistress, your actions are suspicious. 

Nell, {confused). Nay, Colonel; do not say that. Sir 
Toby will vouch that I am innocent. 

Sir T. {laughing on stairs). Aye — as innocent as a pretty ' 



MISTRESS NAN. 45 

girl can be — I kissed her but twice, within a minutc'a time -. 
(Nell covers face with hands arid dashes- up stairs. Officers 
laugh heartily. Dor. and Peg. astonished, ascend stairs 
primly). 

Nell, (looking over banister of gallery). Alack, you all 
are horrid. There! {runs off l). 

Peg. {over banister). And so say I. I'd like to see a 
man kiss me! {with asstimed severity). 

Sir a. {kissing hand to her). I accept your challenge, Mis- 
tress Peg. 

Dor. {primly drawing Peg back). Come Peg, we will let 
Nan know of Nell's miscondtict. 

Peg. {aside, scolding as she crosses gallery). The wretches; 
why do they all kiss Nell. rAs--th-ei*gh:-«h#--we.r©--the-xmly_Diia- 
ifl-WiHittg ten - wha "5hDtrld--b c Id ao cd.- 'Tis scarcely fair, I say. 
{exits scolding, l., with Dor.). 

Wilde {to Sir A). Sir Anthony, bid Mistress Nan attend 
me here, {exit Sir A. up stairs at r. crosses gallery and exits l). 

Capt. H. {shaking finger at Sir Toby). Still at your boyish 
tricks, Sir Toby? 

Sir T. Boyish? Egad, man; at what age does mankind 
leave off kissing? Methinks not until death has frozen the 
warmth upon the lips. 

Wilde {laughing). Demme, for kissing I would select 
our Mistress Nan. She is a beauty among ten thousand. 

Sir T. Aye — and one I would not try to kiss. 

Wilde. Why so? 

Sir T. Methinks her conquest would be difficult. 

Wilde. Such things are not impossible, {enter Sir Anthony 
in gallery above. Descends stairway at r). Well, what of 
Mistress Nan? 

Sir a. Faith, her mood was none too pleasant. 

Wilde. How so? Does she refuse to come -be|m*e-tiST^-«^<n^t^vt 

Sir a. Most absolutely. She says she will^ake orders la^i- 
tic^ from Colonel Wilde sior any other man. ^ et-^/w. 

Capt. H. {to Wilde). Methinks a request would ^e — ^t-e- 
more effect. 

Wilde {aside). Curse the woman! {aloud). Very well; 
give Mistress Nan my compliments and ask if she will attend me 
here. (Sir A. salutes, ascends stairs and exits l. Irritably). 
I like not her airs and haughtiness. This stately wench must 
have a lesson. I would Gowan were here to deal with her. 

Sir T. Faith, you are not afraid of her? 

Wilde {drinks at table). Afraid? -i-?--Ar4ey Wilde, who- 
has, methinksT-sonie iepuLaliun as a devil? Not I! No woman 



46 MISTRESS NAN. 

liave I seen whose glance could hold me from my purpose. ¥ - q 4. 
■this Mistress Nan" has that within her eve — ] 

Capt. H. {ijitcrrupMng). Which hoi ds-ye nw - a^t i oil s- pr- ts j&«:ef^ 
rWrrcTE — -{-r^-fess^^^-- N«--===fer7 — the ■g'ods7~rfTS~TjLOt sof \You 
will see how I deal" with her. (Nan enters gallery, and crosses r). 

Sir T. She is coming now. 

Wilde. Good, {sits at table c. Pours ivine and drinks while 
Nan descends stairs. Other officers bow). 

Nan. (curtsying haughtily). My thanks to Colonel Arley 
Wilde. He well repays my hospitality by keeping his hostess 
prisoner in her room! 

Wilde, (sitting at table). Who was the gypsy who came here 
last night? 

Nan. (scornfully). Alack, now that is fine! Do you think I 
know the name of every wench you gentlemen pick up upon 
the road$ ? Sir Toby brought her in. Ask him that question. i 

Wilde. She spoke with you while we were at the -4>anqiiefe.i7lt^ 
What did she say? 

Nan. (defiantly). And if I refuse to answer? 

Wilde (rising impressively). Then — 

Nan. (throwing back head haughtily). What then? 
"^ Wilde. Then we know your loyalty is aiii assumed. Mis- 
tress Nan is no longer for the King when she consorts with . 
the King's enemies. 

Nan. (vehemently). Not so! I'm for the King, and all of 
you must know it well ! My father knew King George and nursed 
m me from infancy allegiance to the crown. I've made some 
sacrifices for the cause I've paid my rents when rents no more 
could be collected; I' v^^ turned the rebels from the door. I've 
entertained ar-hrundred^. British officers. M^&— w4fies-"have beeft 
fe¥-ttei3^-;--tny4i-©u«e-«rn'n-iandfS.-A^ And what is 

my reward? A gypsy \ Drought into my house, and because 
she disappears, suspicion in a moment turns on me. Because 
the King's officers hold drunken revel round my table, — 'tis I on 
whom the blame must fall when one escapes whom they should 
be guarding. 'Tis I who must be guarded in my room and 
put to shame before my people. I thank you, gentlemen; 
(curtsying proudly) 'tis noble, manly, and worthy of your 
uniforms to hold a woman to account for your misdoing. 
(Wilde makes move to speak). (Nan extends hand). Nay — 
do not interrupt; for whose misdoing was it, if not yours? 
Had your guards been stationed as they should, the gypsy 
would have still been here. But no! you realize your negli- 
gence, and lest the blame should fall upon yourselves, you 
iw^; cast the guilt upon your hostess, (ironically). My 



MISTRESS NAN. 47 

thanks, gentlemen; my thanks for this reward of my good 
hospitahty. 

Wilde (aside to Capt. H). Demme, the woman is a queen. 
Her anger becomes her well. 

Capt. H. Let not her beauty turn your head. She has a 
charge to answer. 

Wilde. I'll remember that without your telling, (to Nan). 
Mistress, your speech is=a;Eeil7- yrtfd has the ring of truth. 'Tis 
possible injustice has been done, in which case I shall be the 
first to crave your pardon. However, there is a charge you 
must explain. The gypsy wished to speak with you alone. 
What did she say? (Nan silent, with eyes fixed as though in 
thought. Wilde, aside to her) Nay, do not fear, I could not 
judge you harshly though your own sweet lips pronounced your 
guilt, (aloud). What did the gypsy say? 

Nan. (ivith slight hesitation). She brought me news. 

Wilde. Of whom? 

Nan. (looking at Capt. H.) Of one I knew softer years ago. 

Wilde (leaning forward). Her news was? 

Nan. (mechanically, still looking at Capt. H.). That he was 
ill; that he was dying. 

Wilde (suddenly). I have it, now! It was of him — the 
Tebel — was it not? The man yOu jilted when he took up arms 
against the King? 

Nan. (slowly). Yes — George Sanborn. 

Wilde. And that was all? 

Nan (s7iddenly). No! 

Wilde. What more? 

Nan. (aside). I have it_^now — I have it! (aloud). She told 
me this man was hunted. dm«a.. His forces scattered; his body 
racked with pain; he lay not faj away and in, great danger of 
•capture by your men. -©^SHafjK^he said he was^an^-'as a last 
request, he asked that I would see him. Gentlemen, you accuse 
me of consorting with the rebels ; I proved that lie to her. Tiiig 
naaa-J-had-kaewn-well.- — ^His^lastxequ£S.t , was -that 1 come -unto 
hi^Hsreiisitie. It was -a dyi-n^-wishT"ai=id -©ne-that-fiiexLds-ca-ane^- 
rofuo e. What did I answerfhes^ I said: "George Sanborn 
•chose a rebel's cause; he must accept a rebel's fate." With that 
I left her, going to my room just as Sir Anthony came in. When 
next I passed through here, neither Sir Anthony nor the gypsy 
was in sight. I joined you at the table and knew no more of them. 

Wilde (aside to Capt, H.). Whatsa^^^^awley? 

Capt. H. I must confess that I am puzzled. 

Wilde (beckoning to Sir T. who crosses l and joins them). Sir 
Toby ; what think you of it ? 



48 MISTRESS NAN. 

Sir T. Egad,^er speech rings true enough. 

Wilde. And',^you believe it? 

Sir T. Nay — I'll not say that. I believe no woman. 

{Enter Sergeant r 1 e. Salutes). 

Wilde. Well, serg^nt? ; A,. 

Ser. a ring^is found wliich may thFe-w-4-i-g-ht-^apen-4he-gyf)sy 
A sentry picked it up -wrthi&iit" the casement. 

Nan. {aside, with finger to lips). A ring! 

Wilde {quickly). Let's have it! (Sergeant hands rin[ 
to Wilde who examines it at c). A broad band of silver with 
out a stone. Ha? What's this? A name, {examines in- 
side of ring attentively. Nan stands very quiet). Lights there— 
the thing is ?»e&t infernal£small. (Sir T. takes candle fron 
mantel at l. to Wilde at c). I have it now — George Sanborn 
{All look at Nan — pause:) — — — . — — - 

Nan. {slowly). Well, I know naught of it. 

Wilde. Methinks you do, good mistress. Methinks yoi 
know much more than those sweet lips will tell, {suddenly) 
Demme, I have it now. The gypsy was a man: the man wa 
nai»ed George Sanborn. {'Nan stands very quiet. Triumphantly) 
What say you to that, good Mistress Willington? 

Nan {with forced calmness). I know naught of your theories 
The ring may have lain there a year or more. 

Wilde. Not so. There's not a speck of rust upon it. 

Sir T. {mockingly). Egad, our hostess plays a differen 
role ! 

Sir a. And loyal Mistress Nan is loyal to the King no more 
{laughs). 

Wilde {aside). Demme. I'll turn this incident to goo( 
account, {aloud, sternly). Enough, gentlemen; we will hea 
what our hostess has to say. 

Nan. {to Wilde) You think me,-t-heft, a traitor? 

Wilde. Demme, I have naught else to think. 

Nan. {with slow vehemence). I am no traitor. 

Wilde. Would that your actions 4*4 belie^your words. 

Nan. {with emphasis). I am no traitor! 

Wilde. Did you receive the rebel in this hall? 

Nan. I am NO traitor! I'm for the King. The man wa 
here; — yes, I admit it. I would he were here now that I migh 
prove my loyalty. 

Wilde. This lover of yours — was^ — here? 

Nan. {vehemently). No — no — a hundred times' I^jJl den; 

I love George Sanborn. This man I have-knewft -W^ll in year 

gone by. Think you a woman has no feeling? I could no 

see him hang, though hanging he deserved, {haughtily). Yei 



MISTRESS NAN. 49 

I admit George Sanborn was the spy in gypsy guioe . 'Twas 
I who helped him to escape; but still I am no traitor, {ex- 
clamations from officers. -^Rwrcely). I'm for the King — desfepio n.t 
hear? My life alLg©©s-4© prove my loyalty. The rebel cause — 
the rebel men, I hate; the rebel flag I'd trample in the mire. 
A debt of life I owed this man, for he saved -mifie^om eat the 
river. That debt now paid, I am at liberty to hate. Once 
more I say, I would this man were here that I might prove 
my loyalty. 

Capt. H. Mistress, a torrent of words will not cancel the deed. 

Wilde {aside; looking at Nan). Gods, but the wench 
is beautiful. Now, Arley Wilde, is your goo^ opportunity. 
Defend her and she'll not prove ungrateful. 

Sir T. {insolently, to Nan). You 4© but prove my theory. 
All women are hypocrites and liars. They caress when just 
about to stab. S^rzPtiz.. 

Wilde {interposing). Away,^ Fillip-! {to Nan). Mistress, 
I'll swear you had good cause. Such loyalty as yours succumbs 
not to slight provocation. Demme, were I a rebel, I'd 
penetrate a thousand foes to get one glance from those sweet 
eyes. 

Capt. H. {aside). What mood is this? 'Tis strange for 
Wilde. 

Nan. {eagerly, to Wilde). You believe I am still loyal to the 
King? 

Wilde {looking intently at her). There are none more 
staunch in Carolina, {leaning toward her, aside). Nor yet more 
beautiful. 

Nan. {joyfully). You still believe in me ? {toothers). And 
you, gentlemen? Must one mistake of mine destroy the trust 
of years^ acquaintanoo ? {others look doubtful and turn away). 
Nay, turn not from me. I would give all I had to undo the 
act which now mrast blotsmy loyalty. 

Wilde, Let no man say he doubts our hostess. To do 
so means to cross his sword with mine. 

Nan. {curtsying low). Good Colonel, I'm all unworthy of 
that speech. 

Wilde {coming close to her). Not so — not so! You are 
worthy of a kingdom, could a man but give it thee. 
^i. Nan. {sincerely.) Alack — I would I were a Queen to 
reward those friends who trust me now. 

Wilde {with face close to hers). Perhaps you can reward 
them — (Nan turns away.) Come, gentlemen, I will conduct . 
the |investigation with Mistress Nan, alone. Sergeant, retire 
with your men. {exit officers l 2 e. Sir T. and Sir A. arm in 



50 MISTRESS NAN. 

arm, conversing. Lieutenants following. Capt. H. going last 
with down-bent head. Sergeant signs to soldiers who exit at 
respective doors, leaving Nan and Wilde alone. Wilde drinks 
at table.) 

Nan. I scarce could hope for such forbearance. You 
believe that I am for the King? (Wilde looks fondly at her.) 
I am unworthy of that faith. What can I do? What rep- 
aration make for the grievous wrong I did last night? It 
was an impulse — but no, I will be honest — it was no impulse. 
I could not see George Sanborn die. Ah, Colonel; some say 
that I arn strong of heart. I'll not believe that hence. A 
woman's heart is weak for those she loves; and woman's heart 
will rule her actions, though empires fall to serve her will. 
Alack, I fear my loyal reputation's gone. 

Wilde {studying her face). I wonder if Mistress Nan 
would do as much for me? 

Nan. Do what for thee ? 

Wilde. Risk loyalty to save my life ? The same you risked to 
save the rebel? 

Nan. Who knows? Generosity will quickest touch a 
woman's heart. And if that rule applies, my heart is now 
much touched by your forbearance. 

Wilde {regarding her amorously.) Demme, but you are 
beautiful ! 

Nan. {curtsying.) I scarce could hope for forgiveness 
in the form of flattery. 

Wilde {leaning toward her.) Forgiveness comes readily 
enough to one who has such eyes as yours. Wili^rink a health 
to those sweet eyes ? {crosses to table c arid pours wine in glass.) 

Nan. {smiling.) What woman could refuse a toast so 
flattering, {tastes wine from glass which Wilde offers.) 

Wilde {turning glass.) Let my lips touch where those 
sweet lips have kissed, {drinks.) 

Nan. Fie, Colonel — you flatter handsomely. 

Wilde Nay — 'tis not flattery to render homage to such 
peerless beauty. Another health to . those sweet lips, {fills 
glass.) 

Nan. {turning away.) No more, — no more, for gracious' 
sake. 

W-ii3B'E'^''{ctUsW'beh4n4- herr) ' Qvrr — speeeh:"T§ a:ilr--4ee — wea4e 
-for describing beauty such as .yours?. 

' Nan. {langhing.) Alack-=-do^'.t .-.gXL„„Jbsy0-n4._-a-ur__.sp©eclir, 
40r--4--gheai"l-never-u-n4@rstandr--''"*~But come, my fault was serious 
last night. Atonement must be made. What shall it be ? 

Wilde {drinking at table.) Aye — you must be punished. 



MISTRESS NAN. 5 1 

Nan. (gaily.) Surely? What shall it be, my Colonel? 
Bread and water in my room throughout the week? 

Wilde. Nay — that would rob us of your presence and be 
a punishment to us who do deserve none. 

Nan. (curtsying.) Thanks, Colonel Wilde. You have a 
pretty speech to-day. 

Wilde. I am inspired by your eyes. 

Nan. My thanks again; but what shall be the penance? 
Remember, Colonel, it must be severe. 

Wilde. You called me differentl}^ a moment since? ^ 

Nan. I called you differently? t han C el rOttef- WiMef 'Nayf^oip fup^ 
■^ remember, -B:©%7 

Wilde. You said, "my Colonel." -i-^w^ttWHK^oiaM-cl'aini-tha^- 
i=€la4io ffl.-shi p: 

Nan. (stepping back). Your pardon, I spoke with thought- 
less freedom. 

Wilde (smiling.) Nay — I am not hurt by it. 

Nan. But I might be. You men take much unto your- 
selves. 

Wilde (amorously.) Would I could take you unto myself! 

Nan. (indignantly.) Colonel! 

Wilde. Nay — take no offense. If I am bold, 'tis love of 
you that makes me so. 

Nan. (merrily.) Alack, how readily you soldiers fall in 
love. I'll not believe a word of it. 

Wilde. If on my knees I should declare it? 

Nan. Nay, not even then. A man drops readily upon his 
knees to any woman. - A ai l ly h -a^i-tr-I-eall i t;- a nd -4a«raaftftly?- 

Wilde (with winning insolence.) You are too practical 
for love. But never fear; I'll wean you to it. 

Nan. (haughtily.) Now, Colonel, your speech has grown 
offensive. 

Wilde. No — no — 'tis part of your atonement! You asked 
tne to name your punishment : I will, -and— readily.. The sen- 
tence is a kiss which you must give to me, who fte^w^ adores 
you. 

Nan. This is an insult. I thought I addressed a gentleman. 

Wilde. Nay — men cannot be lovers and gentlemen at^^tUt, ^ 
o-H^e^— -N-atope4— e5etre«i€S-ea«r-ft©vei^-me€-t, and every ma-n-h-as- '^'-»»*<. , 

t5zco-.ja:ithin -hiiH* Come, Mistress — the kiss I want and i must 
have, though it take force to get it. 

Nan. (turning away scornfully.) Your breath is as offen- 
sive as your manner. 

Wilde. Say you so? I shall take two for that! (seizes 
Nan about shoulders. She struggles.) 



52 MISTRESS NAN. 

Nan. (panting.) Colonel! 

Wilde. Nay, the medicine is not so bad, but what most 
women like t© t-arfe it. (in struggle they get behind table at c.) 

Nan. Stop, or — 

Wilde. I never stop without my purpose gained! 

Nan. Cur! Take that! (Naiss's hand coming in contact with 
a glass of wine on table, she dashes it in Wilde's face, at same 
moment releasing herself from. his embrace. Wilde leans stupidly 
against table with wine dripping from face. Nan calls off i. 2 e.) 
Gentlemen ! 

(Enter officers l 2 e.) 

Nan. (scornfully .) Look to your gallant Colonel. I fear he 
is in wine, when he insults a lady in her house. 

Capt. H. (half -aside .) Faith it looks as though he was 
in wine. A shower must have struck him. 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life! 

Wilde (hoarsely; wiping wine from face.) Mistress — gentle- 
men — demme the lady and I had words, and some good wine 
was spilled with temper. I've been in haste, perhaps. Well, 
I ask your pardon, Mistress Willington. (Nan at r. c. looks at 
him haughtily without inclining her head. Wilde walks tip- 
to L. 2 E. with slight stagger, calling off.) Ho! there, you niggers 
— bring in the wine! 

Nan. Colonel Wilde forgets himself when giving orders in 
my house. I'll have no drinking in this hall. My father 
died here. 

Wilde (boisterously.) Now, by the devil! What airs these 
provincials give themselves! What care I for your father. Mis- 
tress — 

Capt. H. (aside to Wilde.) Careful, Wilde! 

Wilde. Away, Hawley — I'll have my say and let this, 
beauty know her place, (to Nan.) This country, Mistress, 
is ours, by soldiers' right. Hey — do you think we came here 
to be quartered when and how you please? Not so. We 
are King George's troops, and palaces — yes, demme, palaces, — 
are none too good for such, (lowering voice and approaching 
Nan.) 'Tis lucky we want naught else beside your house 
and servants. 

Capt, H. (indignantly.) Colonel Wilde! 

Wilde (facing him fiercely.) Who commands here. Cap- 
tain Hawley? (crosses to l 2 e). Nigger! (Enter Toby l. 2 
e.) Bring in the wine! Plenty of it and be quick about it. 
(glances defiantly at Nan.) 

Nan. (to Toby, quietly but firmly.) Toby, you will obey 
my orders. You'll bring no wine into this hall to-night. 



MISTRESS NAN. 53 

Toby (standing in doorway, trembling.) Yes, Mis' Nan — 
Wilde {pounding on table.) Did you hear, scoundrel? The 
wine! (Toby remains motionless with eyes fixed on Nan.) Now, 
by the Gods, do you refuse? Dog — I'll have you flayed alive! 
Toby {trembling violently.) I'se Mis' Nannie's dog, Cunnell. 



Wilde. Sergeant! - - 

{Enter Sergeant r. 1 e. and salutes.) Four men and a 
whip, {exit Ser.) We will see who rules here. Mistress Will- 
ington! {galloping of hoofs off right.) 

Nan. You coward! {enter soldiery who seize Toby. Gal- 
loping louder off right.) 

Wilde. Sergeant — who conies without? {challenge of sen- 
tries off R. Sergeant exits and re-enters.) 

Sergeant. A prisoner, just captured! 

Wilde. A prisoner? Put him in the stable with the others, 

Ser. One carrying dispatches. Colonel. He managed to 
destroy them before our men could bind him. 

Wilde. Destroyed them, did he? Bring him in! {to soldiers 
guarding Toby.) Keep that fellow under guard, {exit soldiers 
L. 2 E. with Toby. Wilde half sitting on table, l. c. Nan r. c.) 

{Enter Sanborn, guarded^ byj_soldiers, r. 1 e. Sanborn 
in regimentals of Qa^eimd^fm^ttia; arms bound behind him.) 
Prisoner, who are you! 

Nan. {whispering aside to San.) Nay, do not tell your name. 
(Sanborn keeps eyes fixed on Nan.) 

Wilde {to Sanborn.) Your name, I say! 

San. That I choose, to withhold. My rank is Colonel in 

the militia of C a fo l in. a .'^ ^^^^^^^^^''^^^r^^t^c^c-^^-^-c^^^U. 

Wilde {laughin^^ boisterously. y^C&f^lmSf-niiliti^^ Demme, 
there is no ^^ma^'mifitm. They disbanded on the run from 
Camj4n. {laugh from officers.) What dispatches were you 
carrying? (Sanborn laughs in his face and turns looking at 
Nan.) What dispatches, you dog? 

San. {looks fiercely at Wilde.) Yours is a foolish question 
to ask a soldier, {aside.) 'Tis well I destroyed them. They 
do not dream of Marion's existence. 

Wilde {leaves table and approaches Sanborn threaten- 
ingly.) The means could be found to make you tell. (San. 
ignores Wilde, still looking at Nan.) Why do you look at 
Mistress Nan? 

San. {harshly.) I happen' to know the lady who enter- 
tains her country's enemies. 

Wilde. A dem fine entertainer! She refused to give us 
wine a moment since. 



54 MISTRESS NAN. 

San. You seem to ha,ve.your share, Colonel. 

Wilde (sharply.) Enough! Why do you withhold your 
name? 

San, I have my reasons. I am your prisoner of war. 

Wilde. Perhaps! 

(Enter Dorothy coming down stairway hastily.) 

Dor. Nan — Nan — I wish to speak with you. — Quick, dear — 
(sees San. and hesitates on stair.) Alack! George Sanborn ! 

Wilde (quickly.) Is't so? Sanborn? Demme it is the 
spy himself! Your reasons were the best for holding back that 
name. Curse me, I've had a hunt for you this day. (iron- 
ically.) ■My—fehftaks--le¥-«Q^ng-4&-s€ ) opportun e^ You know 
our little ceremony for a spy ? 

San. I am a prisoner of war. Cgl^c*.*'-^>^'*^-^'^- 

Wilde. War? There is no war in ^^©feta. It ended on the 
field of CamA^n. Demme, I shall follow Gowan's plan and 
stand not on formality. You are a rebel, traitor, and a spy. 
Each is a death warrant in such times as these, (to Ser.) Ser- 
geant, you'll guard him wellm that large room beyond the 
corridor, (points L. 1 eI; ^^Two sentries please ©trtside each 
window, and two to keep the door, (to Sanborn) You hang at 
sunrise ! 

Nan. (with hand to heart, aside.) My God! 

CURTAIN. 



MISTRESS NAN. 55 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Same as in Acts I and II. Stage dark hut for burning 
logs in fireplace l. Occasional rattle of arms withoiit. Low, 
quick music. 

(Nan steals along gallery from l., descends stair and cautiously 
crosses l. 2 e. Pushes hack curtains; lights off l. 2 e.) 

Nan. (looking off l. 2 e.) Still at their dice and punch. 
Well, weS; I'll make no noise upon this errand, (closes curtains 
L. 2 E. and comes down l. 1 e.) I cannot see thee die, George 
Sanborn. Friendship, Gratitude or Love; whate'er it be; my 
heart enslaves my will and bids me aid this man to freedom. 

(Unlocks and takes drawer of money from cabinet at h. 1 e. 
Sits on low stool before fireplace counting money.) My father's 
guineas. Alack, I never thought to buy a traitor's life with, 
these. Ah, why did he turn traitor? (sighs.) Let's see. 
Will the guards take five, or ten or twenty guineas? Fifty, if 
must be, for George Sanborn shall go free. What's that? (slight 
noise off h. 1 e. Nan listens; then quickly draws back and con- 
ceals herself behind curtaix^ ^^i£=lr 

(Enter Sanborn and Oor^wf mt l. 1 e.) 

San. Who is my deliverer? Your face, man — ^Igt me see* 
your face! (draws O^Efi^y into firelight.) G^f^RB^lCD-eMA^*?.-^; 

Osp. Sh! Two sentries stand at yonder door, (points 
off R. 1 E.) Our lives are in peril at this moment. 

San. But whence that uniform ? 

Osp. Shucks, man. You are inquisitive for one whose life 
hangs on a hair. After Cami*n, I became a Tory, that is, — 
you understand; — I went to them and was enrolled as such, 
A spy if you will, — as Wilde calls you. 

San. I see it now. You were the man who stood last night 
outside the casement. It was you who allowed me to escape. 
You risk much, Osp-Fey.^ .'^Z-**^'^ <?^ . 

Osp. Shucks — there is but one death, and that comes in 
its own good time, (points c.) Perhaps those prisoners will 
not see Charlestmi^Ista^ in the British ranks. 

San. Noble ^^epf«^But why this risk for me? 

Osp. I could- not leave George Sanborn to die. Come, 
we lose time, (crosses toward r. 1 e.) 



56 MISTRESS NAN. 

San. One question more; how did you overcome your fel- 
low sentry? 

Osp. Faith, with a bottle and a gag. — The -fest—will-eot^- 
q4i©j:-man"as-readily -as woma-n, .^.e^t^ij^t*-,^ 

San. We'll kill the men betw45^^the door and wood. 

Osp. Aye. Perhaps a shot or two will vStampede the guard 
about the stable doors. 

San. Wait for me w4*fein the doorway. I will follow. 

Osp. Then do so quickly. Our lives depend on't. 

{Exit R. 1 E. Sanborn leans against banister r. Nan. leaves 
curtains and comes down behind him. He turns and suddenly 
sees her. ) 

MUSIC SLOWER. 

Nan. {pointing off r. 1 e.) Go! 

San. {falling on one knee and clasping her waist.) Nan! 

Nan. {starting back.) Do not touch me! I hate you as 
I hate all rebels. 

San. {standing before her with folded arms.) If you hate 
me, tfeea here is your revenge. Call in your friends, the — 
British. 

Nan. I would not have your life, George Sanborn. Go 
— quickly ! 

San. Thank God, you do not hate! {impetuously.) Say 
you love me. Nan, and I will go this instant. 

Nan. Were the rope around your neck, I would not say 
that, {slight noise at R. 3 E.) Hist! Some one comes, {looks 

off R.) 

San.- I will bide here and take my chance with him. 

Nan. No— no! Make your escape while the time affords. 
Listen! {tramp of soldiery off r. 1 e. Low voices without. 
Nan and San. stand close together at r. c. looking r.) 

San. The sentries are being changed. There's no escap- 
ing now until the patrol has passed. I will bide here within 
the shadow, {kneels on stairs r. behind bahistrade.) 

{Enter Dorothy at r. 3 e. Dor. starts back in surprise and 
fear on seeing Nan.) 

Nan. {sharply.) Dot! How now? What does this mean? 

Dor. {embarrassed.) No — Nan; I cannot answer. 

Nan. {taking her by shoulders and looking into her face.) 
You cannot answer? Now, I say you must! I'll not have 
my sister roaming at dead of night through AVillington,— fti»d? 
t4m% when the house is full of soldiery. (Dor. hangs head, 
Nan shakes her. ) The meaning — Dot ; what is the meaning of it ? 

Dor. {evasively.) I might ask the same of sister Nan. 

Nan. You little fool; 'tis different with me. {fiercely.) 



MISTRESS NAN. 57 

What is it, Dot? An appointment with an officer? Which 
one? I'll kill the dog with my own hand! 

Dor. (indignantly.) Nan! 

Nan. Hush! Not so loud! {kissing her joyfully.) There, 
little sister, I knew it was not that. But tell me what brings 
you here? 

Dor. {hesitating.) I am afraid. You hate them so. 

Nan. Nay — be not afraid, but tell me all. 

Dor. Well, then; old Peter just came in. His horse all 
covered with blood and foam, he left beyond their line of sen- 
tries. Marion is coming. Nan! Marion, with thirty men 
to rescue those poor prisoners. You will not tell the British; for 
my sake — for George Sanborn's sake? His life depends on 
Marion's coming. Defeat is sure if they are warned, for Marion 
has but thirty, and Wilde fttH-^nmety men. 

Nan. {anxiously.) Marion's band! I thought they were 
3^ scattered? They will surprise, — defeat King George's troops. 
Let me think. Dot; let me think. 

DoR. Remember George Sanborn, Nan! {tramp of sol- 
diers and rattle of arms off r.) AA^hat is that ? {crosses l. fearfully.) 

Nan. {absently.) 'Tis nothing, {after a pause.) No, I 
cannot let this come to pass. My loyalty is blackened as it 
is. Dot, I'll warn Colonel Wilde of Marion's coming. 

Dor. {vehemently.) No — no! You must — you shall not! 
The secret is not yours. 

Nan. {smiling.) The secret is for him who may discover 
it. Nay, Dot, the British have lost faith in me. Think what 
an opportunity is this to regain my loyal reputation. Yes — 
ye» — I'll warn them, and a warm reception we'll prepare for 
Francis Marion. 

San. {who had left stairway and crosses c, now touches 
Nan's arm.) Listen! 

Dor. {startled.) George Sanborn! Free? 

San. {to Nan.) Nan — you will not do this! Think well! 
Marion, with his thirty are all that remain of freedom's power 
in our colony. For my sake, you'll not destroy this last 
poor hope of -Gafelinai Cck,^ A,-j*t d,*-*-* ^ ? 

Nan. {looking at him coldly.) For your sake, George San- 
born? W^at have I not sacrificed for you? Your liberty 
and life I purchased at a price no other man could wring from 
me. Go, and enjoy both! As for your cause, it has no sym- 
pathy of mine : it must expect no mercy. 

San. You will warn the British of Marion's coming? 

Nan. {defiantly.) Aye — George Sanborn! 

San. Then, I'll remain here and die. 



58 MISTRKSS NAN. 

Nan. (scornfully.) Do you think that will deter me? 
Do you think that I'll stand by and let our troops be butch- 
ered unawares. Do you think that I'll not improve this chance 
to redeem my loyalty. Aye — I'll warn our men though twenty 
Sanborns die ! 

(Galloping of hoofs and challenge of sentries off r. Rattle of 
arms without, music quicker.) Ah — what is that? (Enter 
OspREY R. 1 E. Nan r. c, San. c, and Dor. l. c.) 

Osp. Too late. Sanborn, we die together now! (confu- 
sion in the house.) 

Dor. (throwing arms about Osprey's neck.) My Armand! ! 

Nan. Die? No^no! Then, yes — but die like men! Here 
are my father's pistols, (crosses towards cabinet followed by 
San, when soldier steps front l. 1 'e. presenting a bayonet at her breast. - 
Nan turns, throwing arms about Sanborn's neck.) George! I 
have killed you! 

San. (clasping her.) No — no; you give me life ! I can die 
now and. happily, for Nan still loves me ! 

Osp. (endeavoring to release himself from Dorothy's em- 
brace.) Come, I need my hands to meet these dogs. 

(Enter officers and negroes with lights. Soldiers with bayonets 
presented. stand in each doorway. Nan. tears herself from SK¥i- 
born's embrace and rushes to Wilde.) music stops. 

Nan. Arrest those men, Colonel. I caught them just 
in time ! 'Tis well I left my chamber for my book, (pointing to 
San.) He had escaped, (pointing to Osprey.) That fellow 
is a spy! 

Dor. (gazing at Nan with wild eyes.) Nan! 

Osp. Traitress! 

San. (aside.) What is her meaning now? 

Wilde. What! Demme, it is the spy! Two of them, eh? 
Sergeant! (Sergeant and soldiers advance, seize San. and 
Osp. and retire to extreme l. Nan checks Dor, who is about 
to follow OspREY.) What was the alarm wi4hfGtt%^ t"-*^^^*-*-*;?^ f 

(Enter Messenger covered with dust, and panting from hard 
riding. ) 

Mess. Bad news — bad news, Colonel! Gowan is mur- 
dered ! 

Wilde (amazed.) Gowan murdered! 

Capt. H. (aside.) At last the devil takes his own. 

Wilde (seizing Messenger frantically.) Gowan murdered! 
By whom? When? Where? Speak — dog — fool — idiot; it is 
a lie! 

Mess. It is the truth! By Marion. Our party found the 
body swinging from an oak ftail fifty miles beyond the Wateree. 



MISTRESS NAN. 59 

Above was written on a board: "NOW IS HUMANITY 
CLEANSED OF ITS FOULEST BLOT!" and signed: 
"THE SWAMP FOX." 

Capt. H. {aside.) This Marion has some wit. 

Wilde {raising arms above head.) Now, curses be upon 
this Marion! May God — the devil — either — all, grant I may 
meet him! Put him in my power! Put him in my power; 
that I may roast and tear his flesh with iron pincers! Gowan,. 
thou shalt be avenged, so help me — the devil, {falls in chair, 
burying face in arms at table, l. c.) 

Sir a. Faith, he is cut up about it. 

Sir T. He knew him well. Two better matched and wilder 
devils ne'er graced the British uniform. 

Wilde { beatin r g — toMe.) Gowan! Gowan. The friend of 
my schooldays! Gentlemen, I've drank more with him than 
any other. I loved my Gowan. He was a devil. But one 
after my own heart and soul. 

Capt. H. {aside.) Aye — too true. 

Wilde {springing up.) But I'll have revenge. I'll have 
revenge! {approaching Sanborn.) You hear, you dog? My 
Gowan'a-ydead! 'Tis ill for you and yours! 

San. *^^grt^^^^^a(f^o better day in years than that on 
on which Black Gowan died. God bless friend Marion! 

Wilde {fiercely.) Friend Marion! Friend Marion! I 
hope he is your friend. I hope he loves you. I would he 
were your brother. You'll swing from the topmost branch 
of yonder elni,--asFd=%i¥ffit before an hoinvik passed. 

Nan. {starting forward.) No — no! *^ 

Wilde {shotUing.) No! Who is it says "no" when I 
command. You, you fool? To your room! Your cursed 
airs have held me long enough! {throws himself in chair with 
face buried in arms at table.) 

Nan. {aside, to Dor.) Dot! Tell Peter to ride — ride like 
the wind to Marion, and bid him hasten! Quick, Dot; if you 
love me, lose no time! 

Dor. {to Nan.) I do love you for that! {exit Dor. r. 3 e.) 

Wilde {springing up.) Torches there! We'll not delay 
the ceremony! {to San.) I'll hang thee twice and thrice 
if but to please the soul of Gowan! Nor shall we wait till 
morn! Who knows what happens 'twixt now and then? 
Curse it; make haste! I hope that Marion will pass this way 
and find your carcass! 

Nan. {aside.) Aye — he may pass before you think! {aloud 
at c.) Yes, hang the dog, iod well — and high! There is a 
strong cross-branch upon that elm. There the traitor used to 



6o . ^ MISTRESS NAN. 

'A •'. -fi _ 

swing in^ childhood days. He'll swing there now. (laughs 
hysterically.) Hang both the rebel dogs, but first — we'll have 
a feast. 

Wilde. A feast — with Gowan dead! 

Nan. Aye — we'll drink here; within this hall, i-n—whiofe- 
Ha:y-4a4hfcec-die4t- We'll make it ring with laughter, song and 
dance, (to negroes at c.) Quick, boys! Ez — Tom — Paul — 
Joe! To the cellars, you lazy dogs and out with our oldest 
wines! (exit negroes in confusion l. 2 e.) 

Wilde. Make merry, you fool, with Gowan dead? 

Nan. Aye — we '-11 drink to his memory! 

Wilde (hesitating.) Yes — we'll drink to Gowan's memory; 
but first, we'll hang the spies! 

Nan. No — no — we'll let them wait! What! Stop to hang 
a traitor, when one good toast may speed friend Gowan toward 
heaven or hell? (re-enter negroes with bottles in baskets.) 
Quick, boys! See, gentlemen, the dust lies thick upon the 
bottles! My father's wines all came from France. They've 
stocked our cellars thirty years and more. 

Omnes. a toast to friend Gowan! 

Sir T. (aside to Sir A.) 'Twixt the hanging and the wine 
Wilde appears uncertain. 

Sir a. Egad — 'twixt the hanging and the wine, I swear 
I choose the latter! 

Wilde We'll drink, then; but stand there. Sergeant, with 
the prisoners. I swear I'll not delay the hanging, (negroes 
arrange tables at l. c.) , 

Sir T. Aye — a toast of blood would satisfy friend Gowan -tt' 
mroreHtikeiy than a toast in wine. 

Wilde (moodily.) A toast of blood I would prefer. 

Capt. H. But I prefer the wine. 

Sir T. And, curse me, but it makes no difference. I love to 
see the traitor on the rope; I love the wine. Egad, I'm always 
satisfied. 

Wilde Come, then; to the table and have done with it ! 

Nan. One moment, gentlemen! More lights, more lights! 
And, 'Ezra.— (calls Ezra to c. and whispers aside) you need not^-tA< 
haste, unless it is to fill their glasses, (aloud.) Wait till the 
lights come, gentlemen! tfgr-u-cA. 

Wilde. The lights are "'weil enough. Come! (officers 
arrange themselves around table l. c. Nan takes place beside 
Wilde.) 

Nan. Come, boys — wine for the gentlemen. We'll drink 
to Gowan in our best spirits. He loved the bottle well, I hear; 
Then we must drink in plenty if but to honor him. Men like 



MISTRESS NAN. 6 1 

him do not die every day. The toast should be a fitting one 
and all partake, {to Wilde). Shall we serve the men out- 
side, my Colonel? 

Wilde (absently, with chin on chest.) Yes — yes! 

Capt. H. Hold — Wilde! It is not well the men should 
have the liquor. This Marion is at large. 

Wilde (fiercely.) Curse Marion! I would he did come 
here ! Yes, let the men have wine<4l=b^ in honor of my Go wan ! 
(allows head to fall in hands on table before him.) 

Nan. (brilliantly.) Aye, I'll see to it! Fie, Captain Haw- 
ley! You do not fear the mean "Swamp Fox?" He dare not 
face our l^al .troops, (to Ezra.) Ezra, you'll serve the 
troops "vmhowCS- ' We have a score of wines not fit for 
gestlesiea.. Stiirt--itet.-f-J±ijere-J5---n.o -fear— our- -celiacs— wiU —run- 
dry, (exit fizRA L. 2 E.) Alack, but Gowan shall have a 
royal toast! (murmurs of satisfaction without.) music. 

(Enter Paul with large punch bowl.) 

Come, Paul! Bring the punch bowl here. (Paul sets 
bowl on table at Nan's elbow.) My_ hand shall serve these 
gallant gentlemen! (sings. ).£>~t yiJi'<~<,^^tL^ 
Then drink like a jolly good fellow. 
With first, a good health to the King, 
And then to the maid whose bright eyes shine, 
And then to Old Bacchus, the God of wine! 
We'll merrily, cherrily, drink and sing. 
We'll merrily drink and sing! 

(Applause and racket from officers, pounding on table. Nan 
fills their glasses. All repeat chor^ts, lifting glasses. Wilde 
sits moodily. Amid racket and applause. Nan, as though by 
accident, pushes punch bowl from edge of table to floor.) 

Nan. (scolding.) Alack! You stupid Paul! Look at this 
mess you've made! 

Capt. H. (aside.) I could swear she tipped it purposely. 

Nan (standing at c. beholding ruin on floor.) You wicked 
Paul! We have had that bowl a hundred years and more. 
My grandam prized it highly. Oh me — oh me! My gown 
is soaked with punch. You will wait with the toast until I 
change it, gentlemen? 

Wilde. We'll wait for nothing. Bring ee- the port. We'll 
drink to Gowan in that. 

Nan. No — no; in punch! Punch was his favorite; was it 
not ? Joe — another bowl. Quick ! More punch from the kitchens. 

Sir a. More punch — more punch! 

Wilde (pounding on table.) Port, I say! And quick 
about it ! 



62 MISTRESS NAN. 

Nan, But surely, Colonel, — you'll give me time to change 
tny gown ? 

Wilde. Change be ! 

Capt. H. {interrupting.) Colonel! Here is the port. 
{negroes approach with bottles.) 

Wilde. We have no time to wait. Go to your room; we'll 
drink alone. 

Nan. No — no! Since you will, then; I must drink to Gowan 
all soaked in punch as I am. {looks down at soiled skirt.) 

Capt. H. Mistress, he was himself in that condition more 
often than in any other. 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life! {all seated 
at table. Negroes fill glasses.) 

Wilde, {rising, glass in hand) To Gowan — the noblest 
Briton of them all! 

Capt. H. {aside.) God help the Britons! 

Nan. {rising.) To Gowan, the noblest Briton of them 
all. {all drink.) Again, gentlemen — again! Fill their glasses, 
boys ! To Gowan ! 

Omnes. To Gowan! {drink.) 

Wilde. There never will be such another Gowan. Men 
•of his stamp are rare. He was a very devil in the field. 

Sir T. And in the camp. 

Sir a. And at his cards. 

Lt. J. And in his cups. 

Lt. F. And with the women — upon my life! 

Capt. H. In fact, he was a very devil everywhere. 

Wilde. He was a man — a hero — a God in uniform! Curse 
me, but how he slashed down those devils in our battle with 
Buford, some months ago! 

San. {vehemently.) Battle! Butchery, you mean. 

Wilde {drinking recklessly, as Nan beckons to negro to 
keep filling his cup.) You should have seen us on that day. 
One hundred miles we rode in five and fifty hours. Then, 
before the rebels knew of it, they were surrounded. We're 
honorable men, and we gave them terms, which were rejected. 
" Sir,' wrote Tarleton, " resistance is in vain. You are surround- 
ed by seven hundred troops, half infantry, and these have 
•cannon. Cornwallis is within an hour's march;" which 
was a lie, you see. Our troops were scarce four hundred, and 
Cornwallis lay a hundred miles and more away. . [^ ^, 

San. {fiercely.) And what did that cur Tarleton^ Even 
while the flag of truce was raised, in violation of all rules of 
war, your English devil ranged his men for the onset! 

Wilde. Ha, ha, my friend — I scarcely thought you'd like 



MISTRESS NAN. 63 

the tale. A trick of war, I call it ; a trick of war which your thick 
headed countrymen all failed to see. (to officers.) Scarce 
had the flag got back within our lines, when "Charge" shouts 
Tarleton, and in we plunged among them. Gowan and I 
were riding boot to boot. How nobly his sword rose and fell. 
The work was merry. The rebel louts in rare confusion — 
some even sitting on the ground, so sudden was our dash. 
They did not fight — they cowered before us. One lifted up 
his gun; I dashed it down while Gowan raised his sword. 
"Mercy!" shrieked the fellow. "I spared your life at Charles- 
ton! You owe me mine!" Then Gowan laughed that devil's 
laugh you all have heard. "Another creditor" he cried, 
"then to perdition with you and the rest of them!" and with 
that speech he split the fellow's head from crown to shoulder! 
Ah, that was noble Gowan! 

Capt. H. {aside.) Aye — that was noble Gowan! 

Wilde {rising and dashing glass to floor.) And now for the 
hanging ! 

Nan. No — no! Let us hear more of Gowan 'vr 

Wilde. Enough! We've drank, and now 4©^^ avenge him. 
Sergeant! {all rise from table.) 

Nan. {aside.) My God! What shall I do! 

Wilde {to Sergeant.) Remove the prisoners to the lawn. 

Nan. {at centre with raised arm.) Wait! There is one 
toast we have forgotten. 

Officers. A toast forgotten? 

Nan. The toast that all good Englishmen must offer first. 
To the table, gentlemen. 

Capt. H. She is right — to the table! 

Officers Aye — aye — she is right. To the table! {all 
resume places at table.) 

Wilde. Be quick about it then. 

Nan. Wine — more wine — and plenty of it! Open the Ma- 
deira, Port and Sherry — 'tis fifty years old, gentlemen, if it's 
a day. {exclamations of satisfaction from offccrs.) 

Capt. H. {aside.) There is a meaning beneath her mood. 

Nan. {rising with wine glass in hand.) To the King! 

Officers {standing.) To the King! {all drink.) 

Nan. Fill again! To the Queen. 

Off. {drinking.) To the Queen! 

Nan. How like you the Madeira, gentlemen? 

Capt. H. I never tasted better. 

Lt. J. Nor I. 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life. 

Sir a. It soothes the stomach. 



64 MISTRESS NAN. 

Sir T. Egad, but it burns the liver. 

Nan. (merrily piisJiiug Wilde, who has risen, back into his 
seat.) Sit down. Colonel Wilde; I have another toast. Stint 
not, gentlemen; the wine is plentiful. I now pledge him who is 
the English army's pride. Who is a gallant man, if gallant men 
exist — {raises glass.) I pledge — the British Officer! 

Off. (rising, with cheers.) The British Officer! 

Capt. H. And now, I have a toast. I pledge the bravest 
lady and fairest Tory in all the colonies ot King George : the 
rarest and most beauteous flower in all Garolina— Mistress 
Nan of Willington! (Nan leaves seat and citrtsys to floor as all 
drink with a cheer.) 

Sir a. (drunk.) The rarest and — most — bew — bewteous 
— bewt — ! 

Wilde (rising.) Come — 

Sir T. (pushing Wilde into seat.) Sit down, Wilde! More 
wine! more wine! (pushes bottle into Wilde's hand.) Let 
wine chase every ill away. A chorus! to drive black mel- 
ancholy from the hall. (sings with others.) "Then drink 
like a jolly good fellow, with first a good health to the King," 
etc. 

(Enter Dor. r. b., during choriis. Nan crosses. to her. She 
and Nan stand r. c. ivitJi aims about one another, listening to 
the wild song.) 

Nan. (looking toivards Wilde.) Tlie man's mind runs 
upon his friend; I must plan some diversion, (aside to Dor.) 
Has Peter gone? 

Dor. This long time since. 

Nan I fear^ — I fear! — The ride is long, a^ Wilde is sober. 
I have it, Dot. You will take my place at j'entfer table. 

Dor. (drazving back.) I? Drink with them? 

Nan. (grasping her wrists.) Yes — yes — Dot, for my — for 
your lover's sake. You must! His life depends on't. 

Dor. (bravely.) I will try, then; but make haste. 

Nan. My dearest Dorothy! I'll send down Nell and Peg. 
(kisses her and exits up stairway at r. Dor approaches table 
and takes Nan's place.) 

Off. (singing at table.) 

Then drink like a jolly good fellow 
With first, a good health to the King, etc. 

(Enter Nell and Peggy in gallery. At conclnsion of chorus 
they descend staircase at r.) 

Nell, (at foot of stairs.) Alack, may we join this merry 
company? (Sir Ant. and Sir Toby spring up with tipsy 
merriment and conduct Nell and Peg to table.) 



MISTRESS NAN. 65 

Wilde {suddenly looking tip from drinking and seeing Dor- 
othy.) Hello — where is Mistress Nan? 

Dor. She left,-b«^for a moment to change her gown. 

Wilde (rises from table coming down r.) I half mistrust 
that woman! (goes part way up stairway at r. and comes down 
irresolutely. To Ser.) Sergeant, we'll need you soon, (re- 
turns to table. Stands and addresses Dor.) You do not drink? 

Dor. (nervously.) No, sir — I like not wine. 

Wilde. Like not wine? Curse me, would life be bearable 
without it. Wine is life and more than life, (raises glass and 
holds between his eye and lights oiimantel.) Spirits reign there 
within a spirit. My Gowan 'ie^^v^id that twenty devils 
lurked within each cup. 

Capt. H. Gowan was some authority on matters per- 
taining to the devil. 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life! 

Wilde (still standing.) Wine is a solace for all sorrow. 
Wine brings forgetfulness ; that boon which death itself, per- 
haps, cannot impart. A health to wine! 

Capt. H. (aside.) Grief makes a philosopher of the man. 

Omnes (rising.) A health to wine! (tipsy by-play of 
officers.) 

Wilde (who has deen drinking heavily.) Happiness and 
forgetfulness. 'Tis-^w- i no alaH:e"e€rtr~bTin-g-"t-l^tese- joys -whidr 
saber"ra«ft~wil4~efea^e"th.n3ughJie4-^ (to Dor.) So, Mis- 

tress, you condemn the spirit which calls up happiness? 

Dor. Nay — sir, that is no happiness that ends in sorrow. 

Wilde (boisterously.) Demme — a fair philosopher. She 
tells us to our faces we do wrong. 

Dor. (confused.) Nay, sir — I know not the right and 
wrong of it. All men drink in these days. It is the fashion. 

Wilde (in bullying manner.) So, demme, you bring our 
fashions into question? 

Dor. Nay — I know naught of it. I may be wrong. 

Wilde (filling her glass.) Come, your argument is lost, 
and wine, as usual, wins. Drink! 

Omnes. Drink — drink! (singing.) 

Then drink like a jolly good fellow 
With first, a good health to the King, etc. 

Wilde (to Dor.) Drink! We all drink here, (stands 
over Dorothy, offering wine. She drinks and chokes. Burst 
of laughter from officers.) Another glass — you'll like it soon 
enough. 

Dor. No, I will not. 

Wilde, You will not? You're a saucy wench — and a pretty 



66 MISTRESS NAN. 

one as well. There, dest^like that better? {kisses her, Dorothy 
leaves table indignantly, coming down l.) 

San. {indignantly.) You coward! music 

Wilde {awakening from drunken admiration of Dorothy.) 
What? 

San. You coward! To take advantage of a woman! 

Wilde {fiercely, coming down l. c.) You dog — you spy — 
you'll sing a difEerent tune upon the gallows. Aye, and dance. 

{Enter Nan at head of stairway gorgeously dressed in satin 
gown bedecked with jewels.) 

Nan. {across .bamster.) Who spoke of dancing? The 
very thing I wa^^o propose. 

Wilde. We've had enough of y©«f-ftftd- your delays. I'll 
hang this fellow now. 

Nan. {appealing to officers in injured tone.) Gentlemen, 
he has had enough of me and my delays! Have I bored you? 
Has my entertainment been unpleasant? I appeal to you, now, 
i f" it ha^ Why should Colonel Wilde give preference in danc- 
ing to the rebel? The floor is good in here — let us dance first. 
The traitor can dance afterwards — on air. {officers crowd 
about, admiring her.) 

Capt. H. (kissing Nan's hand.) Colonel Wilde is the most 
ungallant dog in His Majesty's service. 

Sir a. You are so beautiful. (Nan smiles, whispers, and 
flirts with officers.) 

Wilde. Come! Enough of this! 

Sir T. {intoxicated, fiercely.) Sit down, Wilde, or I'll crack 
your head ! 

Lt. J. We're going to dance! 

Lt. F. {drunk.) Upon my life, 'tis true — upon my life! 

Capt. H. Aye — with Mistress Willington. {applause, and 
shouts of "aye — with the charming Mistress Willington!" Wilde 
looks around helplessly. ) 

Wilde {drinking at table, 'aside.) Curse me, I'll make 
things merry here, {aloud.) I'll dance, then; but on one 
(Condition. This pretty wench must step a minuet with me. 
{points to Dorothy.) 

Dor. {shrinking from him.) No — no! 

Nan, {in anxious undertone.) Dot — Dot — for my sake — 

Dor. Nan,, you know not what you ask. The wretch in- 
sulted me while you were gone. 

Nan. {quickly.) Insulted my Dorothy? {to Wilde, smil- 
ing.) Perhaps I shall kill you for that insult. Colonel. 

Wilde {insolently.) I don't doubt but what you would, 
were the chance to offer, Mistress. 



MISTRESS NAN. 



67 



Nan. (turning to Dor.) But you will dance with him? 
Dor. (hanging head.) Yes. 

Wilde. Demme, this suits me well. Sergeant,— withdraw 
your men. Nay, leave the prisoner. Tie him in a chair to 
watch our minuet, (to San.) Look your last, you dog, upon 
our merriment, for when this measure ends, your dance begins 
Upon the soul of Gowan, I swear this is4:he last delay, (soldiers 
fasten San. m chair at l. and exit with Os^re^?]^! e. Negroes in 
background, scraping -fiddles. Nan minuets with Capt H- 
Dor. with Col. Wilde. Wilde ogles her; she shrinks from his 
amorous glances. Sir Toby and Nell and Sir Ant. and Peg 
are partners. They dance.) 

Capt. H. (interrupting in middle of dance.) Stop! I could 
swear I heard the galloping of hoofs. 

Nan. (in most brilliant manner, while stepping minuet.) No 
—no ! on with the minuet, How ungallant to interrupt my 
dance! Alack, that you the favored one should be the first to 
find a fault. Perhaps Captain Hawley is weary. . Will another 
gentlemen take his place? (Officers all step forward Nan 
smiles.) Aino#^mtr^ Ahr T could not dance with all. I curt- 
sy to you, gentlemen, (curtsys r. and l. Indistinct galloping 
of hoofs heard off r.) I curtsy to the gallant officers of His 
iMajesty s service. I curtsy — 

^ ^^^'^•^- interrupting.) I am right. SiQo that music, 
guick, Wilde; there is something wrong "^^^^^l^shot without 
Hasty footsteps. Exit Capt. H. l. 2 e. Officers stttpid 
with wme. Negroes huddle at back.) 

Sir T. Curse it — it is an attack! (draws sword and crosses r 1 
e.) 

Lt. F. Upon my life, 'tis— (shot off r. 1 e. Sir Toby falls 
across doorway. Dorothy on stairway. Negroes huddle in con- 
fusion at back. Nan at c. with hand to heart gazing at Wilde- 
with flashing eyes. Din without. Shots. Cries of " Marion f 
Marion!") 

Sir a. It is the Swamp Fox ! Fly for your lives ' 
Wilde (to Nan.) Traitress— you brought him here! Now 
cursed be this Marion, and let me cross my sword with his But 
first, my vengeance here, for my poor Gowan. (to San" as he 
draws sword.) Thou helpless cur— thou art not saved— no 
by the devil! Not the rope shall bring thy just desert, but my 
own sword, (rushes on San. itnth uplifted sword, when Nan who 
has quickly crossed to Sanborn's chair draws two pistols from 
cabinet and discharges one at Wilde,- who falls ) 

^'^^ S^f!'^^^^-^ ^ ^^'^ ^'^ ^^^1 ^hee, dog! (to others, defi- 
antly.) Will any other try his medicine? (more shots without 



68 MISTRESS NAN. 

Officers stagger off l. 2 e. Nan rushes up center, flinging open 
casement and crying.) Kill — kill the hounds; exterminate the 
dogs in red! {patriot soldiery, some dressed in deer-skins , others 
in regimentals, rush in. 

{Enter 0^ir©2'l? 1 e. He cuts Sanborn's bonds and crosses 
to Dorothy, who cowers on stairs. Nell and Peg at l.) 

San. {springing to his feet.) A sword! A sword! 

Nan. {throwing her arms about his netk.) No! No! Do not 
go now! See! the battle is with yours; the British are in 
flight! {as Sanborn folds her in his arms.) My love! My 
George ! I did it all for thee, 

CURTAIN. 



Lb D '09 



